would prefer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "would prefer" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is used when someone expresses a preference for one thing over another. For example: "I would prefer to travel by train instead of by car."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

HUD would prefer litigation.

The New York Times

He would prefer consistency.

Independent

(Self would prefer "Bad Money").

The New York Times

Many would prefer specialist schools.

The Economist

"I would prefer singing.

The Guardian - Sport

They would prefer sanitation.

The Guardian

Many would prefer fewer.

The New York Times

"I would prefer Newt get it.

The New York Times

Everyone would prefer that course of action.

The New York Times

Some said they would prefer war.

The New York Times

I would prefer to be closer.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "would prefer" to politely decline an offer or suggestion.

Common error

Avoid using the gerund (verb + -ing) directly after "would prefer". Instead, use the infinitive form (to + verb). For example, say "I would prefer to eat pizza" instead of "I would prefer eating pizza".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "would prefer" functions as a modal verb phrase used to express a conditional preference or choice. It indicates what someone desires or favors in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms its common use in expressing preferences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "would prefer" is a commonly used modal verb phrase for expressing a conditional preference or choice. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, the phrase maintains a neutral to formal tone. When using "would prefer", ensure the infinitive form of the verb follows (e.g., "to go") to avoid grammatical errors. Consider alternatives like "would rather" or "would favor" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would rather

Uses a different modal verb to express preference.

would choose

Simple and direct alternative emphasizing choice.

would select

Similar to "would choose" but can imply a more deliberate decision.

would have a preference for

Explicitly states having a preference.

would favor

More formal and direct synonym for prefer.

would opt for

Highlights the act of choosing.

would be inclined to

Adds a layer of formality and inclination.

would lean towards

Suggests a tendency or bias in preference.

would be more inclined towards

Similar to "would be inclined to" but emphasizes direction.

would be happier with

Focuses on the resulting emotional state of the preference.

FAQs

How to use "would prefer" in a sentence?

Use "would prefer" to express a preference between two options, for example, "I "would prefer tea" over coffee." You can also use it to express a general preference, such as, "I "would prefer to travel" by train".

What can I say instead of "would prefer"?

Alternatives include "would rather", "would favor", or "would opt for", depending on the context.

Which is correct, "I would prefer to go" or "I would prefer going"?

"I would prefer to go" is the grammatically correct option. "Would prefer" should be followed by the infinitive form of the verb. Using "going" is considered less formal, but incorrect.

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

"Prefer" expresses a general preference, while "would prefer" expresses a preference in a specific situation or hypothetical scenario. For example, "I prefer coffee" means you generally like coffee, whereas "I "would prefer coffee"" suggests you want coffee right now.