prefer

Everyday

1. To prefer means to like one thing more than another, or to choose it if you can. tree →
2. «I would prefer…» is a polite way to say what you want. tree →

In the lessons

In maths and data lessons, surveys ask which option people prefer, and the results are shown in tally charts and bar charts. In manners: «Would you prefer juice or milk?» and «I'd prefer not to» are polite ways to ask and say no. In science, animals prefer certain habitats: woodlice prefer damp, dark places. Phrases: «prefer A to B», «prefer to do», «I'd prefer», «preferred».

Examples

• I prefer apples to oranges. tree →
• Would you prefer tea or juice? tree →
• My cat prefers sleeping in the sun. tree →
• I'd prefer to stay inside today. tree →
• Woodlice prefer dark, damp places. tree →
• Most of the class preferred the beach to the zoo. tree →
• She prefers reading to watching TV. tree →
• I'd prefer not to talk about it. tree →

Note

Double the r with endings: «preferred, preferring» (stress is on «-FER»). Say «prefer A to B», not «prefer A than B». Noun: «preference»; adjective: «preferable» (stress on PREF). «Prefer» already means «like more», so «more prefer» is wrong.

In Jewish tradition

In maths and data lessons, surveys ask which option people prefer, and the results are shown in tally charts and bar charts. In manners: «Would you prefer juice or milk?» and «I'd prefer not to» are polite ways to ask and say no. In science, animals prefer certain habitats: woodlice prefer damp, dark places. Phrases: «prefer A to B», «prefer to do», «I'd prefer», «preferred».

Examples

• Nonetheless, English translators have usually shied away from the this-worldly symbolism of the ‘Holy Wind’, much preferring immaterial ‘Spirit’ either out of theological embarrassment or deference to tradition. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Double the r with endings: «preferred, preferring» (stress is on «-FER»). Say «prefer A to B», not «prefer A than B». Noun: «preference»; adjective: «preferable» (stress on PREF). «Prefer» already means «like more», so «more prefer» is wrong.