For English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners, mastering the nuances of prepositions can be challenging. One common area of confusion is whether to use “Prefer To or Than”.

Prefer To or Than: Which is Correct?

This article will help clarify the correct usage and provide plenty of examples to guide you.

Prefer To or Than: The Correct Usage

When expressing a preference between two options, the correct preposition to use with “prefer” is “to”. The word “prefer” is always followed by “to” rather than “than.”

Here’s the general structure:

• Subject + prefer + noun/gerund + to + noun/gerund

Examples:

1. I prefer coffee to tea.
   • Here, the speaker likes coffee more than tea.
2. She prefers reading to watching TV.
   • She finds reading more enjoyable than watching TV.
3. They prefer living in the city to living in the countryside.
   • They would rather live in the city than in the countryside.
4. He prefers ice cream to cake.
   • He likes ice cream more than cake.
5. We prefer walking to driving.
   • We enjoy walking more than driving.

Common Mistakes

A common mistake is to use “than” instead of “to” after “prefer.” This is incorrect in standard English.

Incorrect Examples:

1. I prefer coffee than tea.
2. She prefers reading than watching TV.

Understanding “Prefer” in Comparisons

When making comparisons using “prefer,” remember:

• “Prefer” + noun/gerund + “to” + noun/gerund

However, when comparing two actions, you might see:

• Subject + prefer + to + verb + rather than + verb

Examples:

1. I prefer to walk rather than drive.
   • This means I like walking more than driving.
2. She prefers to read rather than watch TV.
   • She enjoys reading more than watching TV.
3. They prefer to live in the city rather than live in the countryside.
   • They would rather live in the city than in the countryside.

Tips for Remembering the Rule

1. Think of “to” as connecting the two options. When you use “prefer,” you’re comparing two things, and “to” acts like a bridge between them.
2. Practice with simple sentences. Start with basic preferences like food, activities, and places. Gradually, move to more complex sentences involving actions.
3. Use visual aids. Imagine a scale balancing the two options. The word “to” sits in the middle, connecting the two items being compared.

Prefer To or Than: Practice Sentences

To solidify your understanding, try completing the following sentences:

1. I prefer cats ___ dogs.
2. She prefers swimming ___ running.
3. They prefer studying in the library ___ studying at home.
4. He prefers playing basketball ___ playing soccer.
5. We prefer taking the train ___ flying.

Answers:

1. to
2. to
3. to
4. to
5. to

By remembering to use “to” after “prefer,” you’ll avoid common mistakes and sound more natural in English. Practice regularly, and soon this usage will become second nature. Happy learning!