I should prefer

USAGE SUMMARY

"I should prefer" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express a preference or say that you would rather do something. For example, "I should prefer to stay here rather than go to the party."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

I should prefer a date around 100 B.C. . . .

The New Yorker

You can have your Utopian orgies: I should prefer an orgy with the Montanans.

The New Yorker

For obvious reasons, I should prefer you not to publish my name.

The Guardian

Finding here no such clue, I should prefer that the meaning, if there is one, had been conveyed in prose.

The Guardian - Books

"I should prefer to let in 20,000 old Jews who would not multiply," a former undersecretary of state told the bill's sponsor.

The New York Times - Books

There came a daywhen I said to myself, "I should prefer to sleep".Small planets tasted dry and bitter on my tongue.And two days later I woke.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

Given these facts, I do not understand why we should prefer an ethically and scientifically doubtful method like embryonic stem cell research.

Science Magazine

In February 1933, Eliot writes to Monro of his plans to separate from Vivien: "I should feel nothing but relief, and should prefer not to see V. again".

The Guardian - Books

"Not many Tyrones I've had the misfortune to meet have been terribly nice," she claimed, adding that Oxford tutors should prefer a 'Cecil' instead.

Independent

They should prefer this box.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But everyone else should prefer a tax-based solution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I should prefer" to express a polite and somewhat formal preference, especially when offering an alternative or choice.

Common error

Avoid using "I should prefer" in very casual conversations, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I'd rather" or "I'd prefer" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I should prefer" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing a polite or somewhat formal declaration of personal preference. As Ludwig AI indicates, it conveys a sense of choosing one option over another.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I should prefer" is a modal verb phrase used to express a preference in a polite and somewhat formal manner. While grammatically correct, as indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is relatively uncommon compared to alternatives like "I would prefer" or "I'd prefer". It appears most frequently in News & Media and Academia, signaling its suitability for more formal contexts. When writing, consider the audience and the level of formality required to ensure that "I should prefer" aligns with the intended tone. In less formal conversations consider to use "I'd prefer", "I would rather", or simply "I prefer".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would rather

Uses 'would rather' instead of 'should prefer' to express a preference.

I'd prefer

A contraction of 'I would prefer', making it slightly more informal.

I'd sooner

Uses 'sooner' to indicate a preference, often implying a sense of urgency or immediacy.

I lean towards

Indicates a tendency or inclination towards a particular option.

I'm inclined to

Expresses a disposition or willingness to choose a specific option.

I have a preference for

States a clear preference, often used in more formal contexts.

I favor

A more direct way of expressing preference, often used in comparisons.

I'm more inclined to

Adds emphasis to the inclination, suggesting a stronger preference.

My preference is for

Highlights the preference as a personal choice.

I'm partial to

Indicates a fondness or liking for something, implying a preference.

FAQs

How can I use "I should prefer" in a sentence?

You can use "I should prefer" to politely express a preference, such as "I should prefer to stay home tonight" or "I should prefer the red dress over the blue one".

What's a less formal alternative to "I should prefer"?

Less formal alternatives include "I'd prefer", "I would rather", or simply "I prefer".

Is "I should prefer" the same as "I would prefer"?

While similar, "I should prefer" carries a slightly more formal tone than "I would prefer". Both express preference, but the former is less common in everyday speech.

When is it appropriate to use "I should prefer"?

Use "I should prefer" in formal settings, written communication, or when aiming for a polite and refined tone. It's suitable in situations where you want to express a preference without being demanding.