18/08/16 The Use of “Prefer”
When we say that we prefer one activity to another, two –ing forms can be used. The second can be introduced by to or rather than (more formal).
I prefer riding to walking. (NOT
I prefer riding to walk.)
She prefers making toys for her children rather than buying them in the stores.
Prefer can also be followed by an infinitive (this is normal after would prefer). The structure can be continued by rather than with an infinitive or an –ing form.
I would prefer to spend the weekend at home rather than drive/driving all the way to your mother’s.