Making a choice : Would rather / would prefer

Sometimes, we need to make a choice between two things because we can not have both or because we like one thing more than another! 

Do you know how to make a choice in English/ tell people what you like more than another thing?

If not, do not worry - I am here to help you today...

Let's go !

We use ''would rather'' and ''would prefer to'' when we have two or more options of something to do or to have/eat !

The forms are rather easy ! Take a look:

I + would rather + Verb phrase + than + Verb phrase.

I + would prefer  to + Verb phrase + rather than + Verb phrase.

Examples:

Would you rather eat an apple or a pear?

I would rather + Verb phrase: eat an apple + than + Verb phrase: eat a pear.

I would prefer to + Verb phrase: eat an apple + rather than + Verb phrase: eat a pear.

Would you rather go running or swimming?

I would rather go swimming than go running!

Would you prefer to go running or swimming?

I would prefer to go running rather than go swimming. 

Would you rather stay at home or go out tonight?

I would rather stay home than go out tonight!

Would you prefer to stay at home or go out tonight?

I would prefer to stay at home rather than go out tonight!

Pronunciation tip: ''I would'' in speech, is contracted to ''I'd''. 

Examples:

I'd rather eat breakfast at home than at a restaurant. /I'd prefer to eat breakfast at home rather than at a restaurant.

Now, read the above examples aloud - using the contracted form ''I'd''.

Let's practice !

Try to answer the following ''Would you rather'' questions using both forms: 

I + would rather + Verb phrase + than + Verb phrase. 

I + would prefer  to + Verb phrase + rather than + Verb phrase.

Would you rather live in your own country or move to another country?

Would you rather live your entire life in a virtual reality where all your wishes are granted or in the real world?

Would you rather drink tea or coffee for the rest of your life? Would you rather be alone for the rest of your life or always be surrounded by annoying people?
Would you rather never use social media sites / apps again or never watch another movie or TV show?
Would you rather be fluent in all languages and never be able to travel or be able to travel anywhere for a year but never be able to learn a word of a different language?
Would you rather have an unlimited international first class ticket or never have to pay for food at restaurants?