Take a look at these conversations: Toni: "Do you want to drive or take the bus? de English Grammar Today Expressing preference We use prefer to say we like one thing or activity more than another. Like any other noun, a gerund can function as the subject or object of a verb, or as the object of a preposition: 1. (lb) To be in the habit of choosing something rather than something else; to favor; to like better. You are using an out of date browser. Gerunds can also be used as the subject of a sentence, such as: Again, we can add modifiers to make more descriptive gerund phrases: Subject complements are words or phrases that come after a linking verb often a form of the verb to be (e.g., is, was, am, are) and describe or define the subject. English Language Learners Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for speakers of other languages learning English. This also presents one more possibility for promoting the auxiliary have still further to the left once contraction is involved: The construction Would that ! means the same thing as If only ! means, but in a more formal or literary register. in use? (Ex: "I prefer tea to coffee."). The word in the example sentence does not match the entry word. It may not display this or other websites correctly. I know I can use "prefer to infinitive" and "prefer ~ing". But I'm almost sure that I have heard a sentence like "I' d prefer walking to driving". There are lots of different kinds of phrases in English, like verb phrases, adjective phrases, Gerunds can also be used in conjunction with. gerunds when they describe the action in a sentence, like the verbs in these: She is seeing the painting for the first time. Hector: Sometimes. infinitive; gerund; gerund after verbs which express preferences; gerund after certain verbs; after "it's no use", "it's worth", etc. (or She prefers drinking tea to coffee.). In contrast, some transitive verbs can work only with an infinitive. We prefer going by ferry to flying. Here are two examples of sentences that contain gerunds: As you see in these examples, gerunds are verbs in the present participle form. 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? "), It is important to note that it's not just English as a second language learners who sometimes make mistakes with these structures. In TikZ, is there a (convenient) way to draw two arrow heads pointing inward with two vertical bars and whitespace between (see sketch)? Grammarly catches grammatical mistakes you may have missed and makes suggestions you can use to polish your first draft into perfectly publishable prose. You use gerunds in subject complements when they refer to any kind of activity: Compound nouns are nouns made up of more than one word. 1 I've heard that it is grammatically incorrect to use a gerund after would prefer, for example, you say "I' d prefer to walk" not "I' d prefer walking". These verb-noun hybrids can be confusing because they look like verbs but function as nouns. If you really want to use "than" to discuss your preferences in these cases, remember that you need to use the verb "like" and the phrase "more than." David: I definitely prefer kung-fu movies. (Or: "I prefer jogging to yoga. Gerund phrases can also function as indirect objects. Why did the cop remove sound cables while Forrest Gump was giving a speech? Thanks for reading! First, let's take a look at two brief conversations: Conversation 1 Sammy: Do you prefer horror movies or kung-fu movies? An infinitive is the word to + a verbs root. The possessive my is clearly needed. This usually expresses a preference for a specific event though rather than your general preferences. It only takes a minute to sign up. The gerund itself is a noun formed from a verb. See you in the comments, and until next time, I wish you success in your studies! is a phrase that contains a gerund and a modifier or an object and, in some cases, both of these. Ex. The first table looks at how we can express specific preference; the second shows us how to express general preference. This isn't talking about a particular event because of to have, it's a particular event because of the use of a in the sentence construction. I taught them the use of some verbs like hate, dislike, love, like, prefer. But honestly, I prefer staying home on weekends. In this post, we will look at, In casual settings, you can also say you prefer something, There is a common mistake that many people make with "prefer." Future: other expressions to talk about the future, Future: present continuous to talk about the future (, Future: present simple to talk about the future (, Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -, Modality: other modal words and expressions, Conjunctions: causes, reasons, results and purpose, Relative clauses referring to a whole sentence, Relative clauses: defining and non-defining, Forming negative statements, questions and imperatives. ), For timeline diagrams, quotes and exercises, check out our e-book The Grammaring Guide to English Grammar, Grammaring A guide to English grammar | Copyright 2009-2023, Non-finite verb forms (infinitives, gerunds and participles), Verbs followed by the TO-infinitive or gerund, Verbs followed by the TO-infinitive or gerund with a difference in meaning, TO-infinitive or gerund: FORGET, REMEMBER, REGRET, GO ON, STOP, TRY, TO-infinitive or gerund: CONSIDER, IMAGINE. Should I use a possessive before a gerund? Example: It was impossible to go back. 2 Answers Sorted by: 3 Your intuition is right - "prefer to study at X to to study at Y" is no good. I would prefer to go to New York rather than go to Los Angeles.Jane: Id prefer to walk rather than get a taxi. And if youd like a professional to check any of your work for errors, our proofreaders are here to help. The infinitive form of a verb is: to + base form. (Here the object (biographies) is a noun.) A gerund is a verbal that ends in -ing and functions as a noun. It only takes a minute to sign up. In Mathematica 13.3 are chat notebooks enabled by default? 1960s? Its also a lot harder to get wrong, whether in saying it or in understanding it said. I hope you have found this information useful! This, I believe is the simplest form I could think of. I'd rather study in a coffee shop than study in the library. 1 Answer Sorted by: 2 Simplify, simplify, simplify! I prefer to drive rather than walk. Whats the gerund in the header above? This means theyre the root verb + ing: But thats not what makes them gerunds. Take a look at these examples: , a short story, a blog post, or even an email or text message, youll probably naturally use gerunds. Is it more common to use gerund or infinitive after the verb 'to like'? ), Would you prefer me to drive? Published on A gerund usually refers in a general way to the activity represented by the verb its derived from. Jack Caulfield. after certain nouns Example: There was no need to get angry. Some transitive verbs (such as plan, decide, and forget) can be followed by a to infinitive but not a gerund. For example, the infinitive fly creates the gerund flying.. Oxford University Press. I hate dancing, so don't ask me to. (Sandra was photographed, which she didn't like.) Common phrasal verbs include: And here are a few sentences that demonstrate how phrasal verbs and gerunds can work together: 2 (2011). By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. New framing occasionally makes loud popping sound when walking upstairs. Note the examples: "When I was a kid, I liked playing outside more than staying at home. I would prefer having been watching TV for the last twenty minutes. (This means that I like coffee more than tea. afford agree appear arrange beg choose decide expect fail help (also without to) hesitate hope learn manage mean offer plan prepare pretend promise refuse want wish would like would love would prefer Gerund There are lots of different kinds of phrases in English, like verb phrases, adjective phrases, prepositional phrases, and noun phrases. But if it's to be made at all, it would again be that the first sentence talks more about being currently engaged in the process of the activity (perhaps in the context of enjoying it), while the second talks more about the idea of the activities (perhaps theorizing about their benefits). rather than" is sort of strange considering that "rather" itself often means "prefer". I hate dancing, so don't ask me to. I would say that the distinction here is even more subtle and less present. Note: This feature currently requires accessing the site using the built-in Safari browser. A gerund is a verb in its present participle form (root verb + ing) that acts as a noun in a sentence. Next time you write something, challenge yourself to pick out the gerunds in your work. (habitual) Gerunds also use the -ing form of a verb, but they function only as nouns (e.g., I dont enjoy studying). What is the term for a thing instantiated by saying it? Verb ( submitt ) To yield or give way to another. e.g. Notice that we use the preposition " to " to separate the 2 things that we are comparing. They can be tricky, but being able to recognize them will make you a stronger writer and reader. (or Theyd prefer it if we came later. Spelling Tip Verbing (Present Participle) Add ing to most verbs. GDPR: Can a city request deletion of all personal data that uses a certain domain for logins? (below video). Subject complement: My preferred commuting method is biking. 5 How AlphaDev improved sorting algorithms? Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -ing? Butterfield, J. When you do that, it means the same Thats because gerunds dont describe actionthey act as nouns. Infinitive After certain verbs (with to) Example: He refused to pay the bill. The ballerina taught us dancing. I prefer to drive rather than walking. Id prefer to walk rather than get a taxi. It could be replaced by another noun like chess to create a similar statement. Gerunds can also be used in conjunction with phrasal verbs, two-word phrases that combine a verb and an adverb or preposition to communicate a unique concept that cant be expressed by either of the words individually. (noun, subject of "is") 2. I have read a book about grammar that says there is a subtle difference between them, and I would like to confirm this concept. Other Comparisons: What's the difference? This is a paper that combines information from a As you know, citing every source you use during your academic research is essential. 2. Stack Exchange network consists of 182 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Garner, B. This means theyre the root verb + ing: But thats not what makes them gerunds. I prefer John not to know about this conversation? This English lesson has 2 versions: 1) Video version 2) Text version. ", In casual settings, you can also say you prefer something over something else. Are you familiar with gerunds? rev2023.6.29.43520. Revised on To say what is generally preferred, you can use prefer + infinitive or prefer + gerund, as in the following examples. Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search. My mother spent her life teaching. "When I was a kid, I preferred playing outside than staying at home. Definition and Examples, What Are Comparative Adjectives? We make comparisons using to or rather than, not just than: A lot of young people prefer computer games to football. Learning online or learning in a classroom? Your email address will not be published. Can you share with me some examples please? It doesnt stop being a verb, but the role it plays in a sentence shifts from describing the action to being a focal point. I prefer driving to walking. rev2023.6.29.43520. Below you will learn the rules of using verbs with gerunds and infinities, together with verbs list and many examples to clarify the usage. We strongly encourage students to use sources in their work. 5. For example, "I prefer cooking ceviche, rather than pachamanca." I think yours is the most desirable one, but I am wondering if this is also correct: @SmartHumanism I think that is also ok :), Starting the Prompt Design Site: A New Home in our Stack Exchange Neighborhood, Statement from SO: June 5, 2023 Moderator Action. In what context would you think "I would prefer not tea" would be idiomatic? Note the examples: Shirley: "I prefer Coke to Pepsi." When we prefer something, we like it more than something else. The infinitive . In a sentence where the infinitive acts as a noun, you can easily swap in a gerund and it will still make sense: But you cant always go the other waynotably when the gerund is the object of a preposition: I blocked out a few hours this Sunday for to bike.. Meanwhile, the latter talks more about the nature of how the coffee will be had. ( prefer + gerund) Structures following "prefer" The following three structures can follow prefer: Using "would prefer " What do you do with graduate students who don't want to work, sit around talk all day, and are negative such that others don't want to be there?