prefer to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prefer to be" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express someone's preference for a certain state of being or activity. For example, "I prefer to be alone when I'm feeling overwhelmed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I prefer to be alone".

The New York Times - Sports

"I prefer to be open.

The Economist

I would prefer to be closer.

The New Yorker

But most prefer to be left alone.

The Economist

I prefer to be in the shadows".

Independent

They would prefer to be working.

Independent

I prefer to be ignored".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I prefer to be driven.

The Guardian - Film

"I prefer to be productive.

The New York Times

"I'd prefer to be cremated," he says.

The New York Times

"They'd prefer to be anonymous," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When expressing a preference, consider the context and audience. Use "prefer to be" for general statements of liking, and consider stronger alternatives like "would rather be" for emphasis.

Common error

While grammatically correct, relying solely on "prefer to be" can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your language by using alternatives like "favor", "opt", or "choose" to enhance the sophistication and clarity of your prose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prefer to be" functions as an infinitive phrase expressing a preference or inclination towards a particular state, condition, or action. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prefer to be" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express preferences or inclinations. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's suitable for various contexts, ranging from personal expressions of desire to more formal declarations of choice. While incredibly common, varying your language can improve writing style. Remember to tailor your choice to the specific context, choosing stronger alternatives like "would rather be" for emphasis, and consider alternatives like "choose" or "opt" to enhance the sophistication of your prose. With a high frequency across numerous authoritative sources, "prefer to be" remains a reliable and effective component of the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prefer being

Uses the gerund form, which can slightly shift the emphasis to the activity itself rather than the state.

would rather be

Emphasizes a stronger degree of preference. It's a more emphatic way of saying what one desires.

like to be

A simpler and more direct way of expressing preference, suitable for informal contexts.

would sooner be

Similar to "would rather be" but slightly more formal and less common in everyday speech.

choose to be

Highlights the act of making a conscious decision about one's state or action.

opt to be

Similar to "choose to be" but suggests a more deliberate and considered selection.

favor being

A more formal way of expressing preference, often used in professional or academic settings.

desire to be

Indicates a strong feeling of wanting something, adding a layer of intensity to the preference.

lean towards being

Indicates a tendency or inclination, rather than a firm preference.

tend to be

Suggests a habitual or characteristic state, implying a preference through repeated action.

FAQs

How can I use "prefer to be" in a sentence?

The phrase "prefer to be" is used to express a preference for a certain state or activity. For example, "I "prefer to be alone" when I need to concentrate" or "They "prefer to be left alone" by the media".

What are some alternatives to "prefer to be"?

Alternatives include "would rather be", "choose to be", "opt to be", "like to be", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct, "prefer to be" or "prefer being"?

Both "prefer to be" and "prefer being" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Prefer to be" emphasizes the state, while "prefer being" emphasizes the activity. For example, "I "prefer to be prepared"" versus "I "prefer being prepared"".

What's the difference between "prefer to be" and "would prefer to be"?

"Would prefer to be" indicates a stronger preference than "prefer to be". "I "prefer to be" at home" suggests a general liking, while "I "would prefer to be" at home" implies a more decisive choice.