Understanding Would Rather vs. Would Prefer

What is the main difference between 'would rather' and 'would prefer'?

• 'Would rather' is used only in questions.

• 'Would prefer' is always more casual than 'would rather'.

• 'Would rather' is more personal and immediate, while 'would prefer' is more formal and can be used with nouns.

• 'Would rather' can only be used with verbs.

Is the following sentence correct?: I would rather go to the beach than the mountains.

• No

• Yes

• It should be: I would rather going to the beach than going to the mountains.

Formulate a sentence using 'would prefer' to express a choice between tea and coffee.

• I would prefer tea over coffee.

• I would prefer neither tea nor coffee.

• I would prefer coffee and tea.

• I would prefer tea and coffee equally.

Which phrase is more formal: 'would rather' or 'would prefer'?

• would prefer

• would rather

• would choose

Complete the sentence: I would prefer to eat at a restaurant _____ than cooking at home.

• instead

• rather

• after

• before

Choose the correct option: He would rather play soccer _____ basketball.

• than

• or

• but

• and

Is this sentence correct?: They would prefer to travel by train than by bus

• Yes

• No

Answer explanation

"than" appears when we use "rather" in comparisons.

Which sentence is correct?:

• I would rather you not to tell her.

• I would prefer you to not tell her.

• I would rather you not telling her.

• I would rather you didn't tell her.

Complete the sentence: If I had a choice, I would prefer _____ (to stay/to staying) in a hotel.

• staying

• to stay

• to stay at

• stayed

Choose the correct option: She would rather read a book _____ watch a movie.

• and

• than

• or

• but