What is the difference between prefer to do and prefer doing?
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Updated on
10 Nov 2023
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Question about English (UK)
What is the difference between prefer to do and prefer doing ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.
What is the difference between prefer to do and prefer doing ?Feel free to just provide example sentences.
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What's the difference between 'prefer to do' and 'prefer doing'?
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The difference between "prefer to do" and "prefer doing" in English lies in how they express attitudes and preferences towards actions.
"Prefer to do" indicates a greater liking or inclination to do something, emphasizing the action itself. This expression is usually used to describe specific behavioral choices. For example:
I prefer to watch movies at home rather than going to the cinema.
He prefers to walk instead of taking the bus.
"Prefer doing" indicates a greater liking or inclination towards an activity or state, emphasizing the activity or state itself. This expression is typically used to describe a habit, tendency, or preference. For example:
I prefer exercising in the morning.
She prefers reading at home.
In summary, "prefer to do" emphasizes specific behavioral choices, while "prefer doing" emphasizes a habit or preference. The choice of which expression to use depends on the meaning and context to be conveyed.
"Prefer to do" indicates a greater liking or inclination to do something, emphasizing the action itself. This expression is usually used to describe specific behavioral choices. For example:
I prefer to watch movies at home rather than going to the cinema.
He prefers to walk instead of taking the bus.
"Prefer doing" indicates a greater liking or inclination towards an activity or state, emphasizing the activity or state itself. This expression is typically used to describe a habit, tendency, or preference. For example:
I prefer exercising in the morning.
She prefers reading at home.
In summary, "prefer to do" emphasizes specific behavioral choices, while "prefer doing" emphasizes a habit or preference. The choice of which expression to use depends on the meaning and context to be conveyed.
英语中的“prefer to do”和“prefer doing”之间的区别在于它们对动作的态度和偏好的表达方式。
“prefer to do”表示更喜欢或更倾向于做某事，强调的是动作本身。这种表达方式通常用于描述具体的行为选择。例如：
我更喜欢在家里看电影，而不是去电影院。
I prefer to watch movies at home going to the cinema.
他更倾向于步行而不是乘坐公交车。
He prefers to walk instead of taking the bus.
“”则表示更喜欢或更倾向于某种活动或状态，强调的是活动或状态本身。这种表达方式通常用于描述一种习惯、倾向或喜好。例如：
我更喜欢在早晨锻炼身体。
I prefer exercising in the morning.
她更喜欢在家里读书。
She prefers reading at home.
总的来prefer to do”强调具体的行为选择，而“prefer doing”则强调一种习惯或喜好。具体使用哪种表达方式取决于所要表达的意思和语境。
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- English (UK)
- Spanish (Spain) Near fluent
@OnGauGau The phrases "prefer to do" and "prefer doing" are often used interchangeably, but there can be subtle differences in usage.
Prefer to do:
This structure is more common when you're talking about specific actions or tasks.
Example: "I prefer to cook dinner at home rather than eat out."
Prefer doing:
This structure is often used when referring to more general activities or habits.
Example: "She prefers reading books to watching television."
In practice, the distinction is not always strict, and both forms are frequently used. The choice between them often depends on the specific context and personal preference. It's worth noting that in many cases, the difference is subtle, and either form is generally acceptable.
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