To express a general preference

To express specific preference

When we speak about a general preference we

When we speak about a specific preference would rather
can use prefer+gerund …
e would prefer have the same meaning.
to+gerund/prefer+to infinitive … +infinitive
After would prefer we can use a noun or to-infinitive.
or would rather+infinitive … than+infinitive.
After would rather we use an infinitive without to.
Ex.: We went to the cinema last weekend. Today I would
EX.:I prefer studying Maths to writing poetry.
rather stay at home
I’d rather study Maths than write poetry.
Or
We went to the cinema last weekend. Today I would
Prefer can be followed by a noun, gerund or
prefer to stay at home
infinitive.
I prefer a computer to a typewriter
I Prefer working with a computer to using a mobile
We use a past tense after would rather when we speak
phone.
about the actions of other people, even though that
I prefer to work with a computer rather than use a
action may be in the present or future.
mobile phone.
Ex.: I’d rather you came with me than stay here alone.
It’s dangerous to cross the park at night.
This work is quite heavy. I’d rather you didn’t take it.
II- Fill in the gaps with the verbs in the most
suitable form.
When we compare things we use would rather … than/ 1- She prefers ___________________ (work)
would prefer … rather than. alone to _____________ (work) in a team.
It’s such a fantastic working environment. I’d rather 2- They’d rather ______________ (have) a part-
work here than in my office. time job _______________ (be) on the dole.
It’s such a fantastic environment. I’d prefer to work here 3- They would prefer ______________ (receive)
rather than in my office. weekly ________________ (be paid) monthly
as they are..
4- She prefers _____________ (study)
I- Let’s complete the following sentences with one _______________ (work).
of the above structures. 5- He would prefer ____________ (be) an
1- I ________________________ not to become a engineer rather than a doctor.
computer programmer. 6- Would you prefer ___________ (work) in
2- They _______________________ to interview you at Portugal or abroad?
5 p.m. 7- I’d rather ____________ (invest) in Portugal
3- ____________________________ come on Monday or than in Brazil.
Tuesday? 8- They’d prefer ________________ (not/have)
4- My best friend _________________________ a well-paid job rather than ____________
chatting online to talking on the phone. (do) something they don’t like.
5- I __________________________ to go to the cinema 9- She would rather _______________ (be)
rather than go to the theatre. unemployed than _______________ (work)
6- I ________________________ you admitted you for this company.
made a mistake. 10- I’d rather my daughter __________ (go) on
7- They _______________________ having a full time studying than _____________ (start)
job to a part-time job. working.
8- I ________________________ not to talk about my 11- We prefer _______________ (have) holidays
working life. in summer to holidays in winter.
9- She ______________________ work with a different
12- They would rather ____________ (go) on
person.
strike than _______________ (accept) those
10- I _______________________ to have a job rather
bad working conditions.
than live on my parents’ expenses.
11- They ____________________ contract him than
her, because he is very pragmatic.