prefer doing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prefer doing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a preference for one activity over another. Example: "I prefer doing yoga in the morning rather than in the evening."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

They prefer "doing no harm".

The New York Times - Magazine

I don't prefer doing theatre.

The Guardian

I prefer doing things the old-fashioned way".

The New York Times - Books

They wanted a more neighborhood approach but I prefer doing more elaborate food".

The New York Times

"You are not your body," he often reminded Americans, who tend to prefer "doing" over "being".

The New York Times

I have a master's in computer education, but I really prefer doing creative things.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

If you prefer, do dice the beef into small pieces.

The Guardian - Books

Which network you prefer doesn't matter, until it matters, later, that it once mattered.

The New Yorker

Whichever approach you prefer, don't hurry.

Science Magazine

Both plants and animals have substrate they prefer (do research!).

WikiHow

I would have preferred doing something else (anything else) instead.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prefer doing", ensure the context clearly indicates what the alternative action or state is, either explicitly stated or implied.

Common error

Avoid using "prefer doing" without a clear point of comparison. Always ensure the reader understands what is being preferred over what.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prefer doing" functions as a verb phrase indicating a liking or inclination towards a particular action or activity. It's used to express a preference for one activity over another, as Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Science

13%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prefer doing" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a preference for an activity. Ludwig AI's analysis indicates it is widely used in news and media, science, and wiki contexts. The phrase functions as a verb phrase, effectively conveying personal choices and inclinations. It is recommended to use "prefer doing" with a clear context and comparison to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "favor doing" or "enjoy doing" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

favor doing

Direct synonym, indicating a slight preference or bias toward an action.

enjoy doing

Focuses on the enjoyment derived from the activity, implying a positive feeling.

like doing

Simple and direct way to express a general liking for an action.

inclined to do

Indicates a tendency or leaning towards performing an action.

have a preference for doing

Formal way to state a specific preference for an action.

tend to do

Suggests a habitual or regular performance of an action.

be fond of doing

Expresses a warm affection or liking for an activity.

be keen on doing

Suggests enthusiasm and eagerness to engage in an activity.

gravitate towards doing

Implies a natural attraction or inclination towards an activity.

choose to do

Highlights the conscious decision to perform an action.

FAQs

How to use "prefer doing" in a sentence?

Use "prefer doing" to express a stronger liking for one action over another. For example, "I "prefer doing" yoga in the morning rather than running."

What can I say instead of "prefer doing"?

You can use alternatives like "enjoy doing", "like doing", or "favor doing" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "prefer to do" or "prefer doing"?

Both "prefer to do" and ""prefer doing"" are grammatically correct, but ""prefer doing"" often implies a more general preference for the activity itself.

What's the difference between "prefer doing" and "would rather do"?

"Prefer doing" indicates a general preference, while "would rather do" is often used for specific situations or immediate choices.