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 use prefer + to-infinitive or prefer + -ing, but not prefer + infinitive without to.
We often use prefer to do something for a particular choice: ‘I prefer to leave now.’
We often use prefer doing something for a general preference: ‘I prefer travelling by train.’
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.
Use prefer A to B, not prefer A than B: ‘We prefer jazz to blues.’
When comparing two activities, use the -ing form for both: ‘I prefer walking to driving.’
3
I’d prefer doing my homework later.
I’d prefer to do my homework later.
Use would prefer + to-infinitive to say what you want to do in a particular situation: ‘I’d prefer to stay at home tonight.’