1
× I should do it now, but I prefer leave it for later.
√ I should do it now, but I prefer to leave it for later.
We can say prefer to do something or prefer doing something (NOT *prefer do). There is a slight difference:
- Use prefer to do something when you are talking about some particular action: ‘I prefer to wash the dishes now.’
- Use prefer doing something when you are talking about something in general: ‘People usually do their shopping at the shopping centre, but I prefer shopping at the market.’
2
× I prefer emails than text messages.
√ I prefer emails to text messages.
× I prefer shopping online than going to the shops.
√ I prefer shopping online to going to the shops.
We say prefer A to B (NOT *than): ‘We prefer jazz to blues.’
3
× I’d prefer doing my homework later.
√ I’d prefer to do my homework later.
× I know we have to eat the meat, but I’d prefer eating fish today.
√ I know we have to eat the meat, but I’d prefer to eat fish today.
When we are referring to a future event, or an imaginary situation (a wish), we use (would) prefer + to infinitive (NOT -ing): ‘I’d prefer to do it myself’