modals of preference

• Engels
• MBO
• Studiejaar 3

modals of preference

What do you think modals of preference are?

to indicate preference. 

‘would rather’, ‘like…better than’, and ‘prefer to,’

Note: When we use ‘would rather’, we use the infinitive form of verb without preposition, for example, read. When we use ‘prefer’, we use verb with –ing form, for example, reading.

Note: When we use ‘would rather’, we use the infinitive form of verb without preposition, for example, read. When we use ‘prefer’, we use verb with –ing form, for example, reading.

Also, ‘would rather’ can be used alone or with ‘than’. It is used with ‘than’ when we wish to indicate choices.

Another important point to be noted is that ‘prefer’ always comes with the preposition ‘to’.

To indicate choice for others, use ‘would rather’ with past form of verb even while talking about present or future choice.

Example:

I would rather you respected my decision.

Let’s see how these modals of preferences are used in the news. References:

“I would rather do stunts with animals than underwater in Khatron Ke Khiladi” (Mumbai Mirror)

“Study reveals 76% of respondents would prefer to travel to countries offering contactless experiences” (Travel Daily News)

Complete the sentence:
I'm doing my homework right now, __________________.

1. but I would prefer be hanging out with my friends.
2. but I prefer hang out with my friends.
3. but I would rather to hang around with my friends.
4. but I'd rather be hanging out with my friends.

I hear the new Tom Hanks movie is very good. Why don't we go see it tonight?

1. Actually, I'm a little tired today. I would prefer to see it tomorrow night.
2. To be honest, my prefer would be to see it tomorrow night because I'm a little tired today.
3. To tell the truth, I'm a little tired today. I am prefer to see it another time.
4. Actually, I wouldn't rather prefer to see it tonight because I'm a little tired.

Do you mind if I borrow your pink sweater tonight?

1. I'd rather you didn't. I am planning to wear it myself this evening.
2. I'd rather you aren't. I plan to wear it myself this evening.
3. I rather prefer that you didn't. I am planning to wear it myself this evening.
4. something else

Are you going to wash the car or shall I?

1. If you don't mind, I'd rather you washed it.
2. If you don't mind, I would rather you should wash it.
3. If you don't mind, I'd rather you wash it.
4. something else

Are you going to drive Bruce to soccer practice?

1. Actually, I prefer rather you drove him.
2. Actually, I'd rather you drove him.
3. Actually, I rather you drove him.
4. Actually, I'd rather prefer you to drive him.

Should I pick you up at 6:30 tonight?

1. I'd rather that you are going to come at 7:00, so I can finish eating my dinner before going out.
2. I'd rather that you came at 7:00, so I have time to eat dinner before going out.
3. I'd rather you come at 7:00, so I have time to finish dinner before going out.
4. I'd rather you came at 7:00, so I have time to finish dinner before going out.

How about taking a walk after dinner?

1. No thanks. I am watching the game on TV.
2. No thanks. I prefer watching the game on TV.
3. No thanks. I'd rather watch the game on TV.
4. No thanks. I'd rather you watched the game on TV.