Original question: I prefer riding than/to walking
I came across this exercise question in a book.
The correct statement according to the book is:
I prefer riding to walking
Why is it to instead of than?
Answered by Jack O'Flaherty
The new version of this question is suggested by Lambie
I prefer riding to walking VERSUS I prefer to ride than to walk
Are both correct? If so, when do we use which?
The word "to" is required by the verb "prefer". You prefer one thing to another.
Cambridge Dictionary "expressing preference"
"We use prefer to say we like one thing or activity more than another.
We can use a prepositional phrase with to when we compare two things or actions"
That dictionary points out that we don't use "than" with "prefer".
The word "than" could be used in a statement like this:
"There is more riding than walking."
like to ride more than to walk." Also, "prefer" occurs with "over", as in "I prefer riding over walking."
Commented
Jul 25, 2020 at 17:48
She prefers books to magazines. Not: She prefers books than magazines That's what Jack has been saying. I have not been able to figure out what is the mistake that you are trying to point out.
Commented
Jul 26, 2020 at 0:46
Both those are acceptable. What the Cambridge Dictionary does not accept is: I prefer x than y.
Conclusion: It is not to instead of than. The difference is the first is a noun (walking) whereas the second one is a verb phrase after to.
Please note: than means rather than.
On an official IELTS site:
would prefer + infinitive + rather than + base form of verb = to want to do one thing more than another thing. (in the present or future) (“rather than” separates the 2 activities that we are comparing. The activity before “rather than” is the one we want to do the most.)
Examples:
I would prefer to go to New York rather than go to Los Angeles.
Jane: I’d prefer to walk rather than get a taxi.
Please note: Those examples are for would prefer but they work for prefer alone.
Here is what the founder of that site says about himself.
My name is Andrew and I am the founder of Crown Academy of English. I am British and a native English speaker. I was born in the city of Manchester in England. I am a fully qualified English teacher. In 2003, I passed the Trinity CertTESOL qualification ( Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages), one of the most respected English teaching qualifications and recognised internationally by the British Council.
Please note: In speech, we often drop the rather with than so that rather than just becomes than.
