| Element | FORM/USE: 'WOULD PREFER' + 'TO', POLITENESS |
|---|---|
| SuperCat | VERBS |
| SubCat | patterns_with to and -ing |
| Lexical Range | N/A |
| Level | B1 |
| Cando | Can use 'would prefer' + 'to' infinitive, often for politeness. |
| Corrected Learner Example | I would prefer to pay by cash. (B1 THRESHOLD; 2003; Pass) I would prefer to meet you at six o'clock instead of four, at the café in my hometown. (Germany; B1 THRESHOLD; 2008; German; Pass) I'd prefer to go on holiday with my friends. (Germany; B1 THRESHOLD; 2008; German; Pass) |
| Uncorrected Learner Example | I would prefer to pay by cash. (B1 THRESHOLD; 2003; Pass) I would prefer to meet you at six o'clock instead of four at the café in my hometown. (Germany; B1 THRESHOLD; 2008; German; Pass) I'd prefer to go on holiday with my friends. (Germany; B1 THRESHOLD; 2008; German; Pass) |
| Comments | Would prefer to is often but not exclusively used to be more polite. |
