Prefer to or prefer -ing?

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ESL forum > Grammar and Linguistics > Prefer to or prefer -ing?

Prefer to or prefer -ing?

Nereis

Prefer to or prefer -ing?

Is there any difference?

Hugs

Nereis

5 Aug 2010

manuelanunes3

Hi

I prefer to go or I prefer going is exactly the same.

Hugs

5 Aug 2010

Nereis

Thanks manuela!!!!

5 Aug 2010

pollyanna_pl

I would think that prefer + ing refers to general attitudes, while prefer to + inf can be general or specific.

Hope this helps.

5 Aug 2010

kodora

I would agree with pollyanna.Prefer sth/-ing to sth/-ing refers to a general preference whereas would prefer to (do) refers to a particular preference.In American English prefer to do can often be used instead of prefer -ing.eg.I prefer reading to watching TV, I would prefer to watch a film tonight.
The same goes with love,like and hate.
I hope I �ve helped you
Dora

5 Aug 2010