préférer/pʁe.fe.ʁe/
verb · A2 · Frequency 574
verb
Meanings
to prefer, to like or choose something or someone rather than another
Commonly used to express preference for something or someone, followed by a direct object.
to prefer to do something (often followed by an infinitive)
Often used with an infinitive to indicate a preference for a particular action.
Examples
Il est normal de préférer le chocolat au café pour son goût sucré et agréable.
It is normal to prefer chocolate over coffee for its sweet and pleasant taste.
Collocations
- préférer le thé au caféto prefer tea to coffee
- préférer partir tôtto prefer to leave early
Common mistakes
préférer le thé à le café
préférer le thé au café
The preposition à must contract with the masculine singular definite article le to form au; à le is not used here.
Related words
synonymaimer mieuxto prefer; to like better
Grammar note
The verb préférer changes the stem vowel é to è in closed syllables (e.g., je préfère) and is commonly followed by an infinitive to express preference.
verb
Meanings
to prefer, to like or choose something or someone rather than another
Commonly used to express preference for something or someone, followed by a direct object.
to prefer to do something (often followed by an infinitive)
Often used with an infinitive to indicate a preference for a particular action.
Examples
Préférant le train à l'avion, Clara a réservé son billet hier.
Preferring the train to the plane, Clara booked her ticket yesterday.
Préférant travailler seul, Marc a installé son bureau dans une pièce séparée.
Preferring to work alone, Marc set up his desk in a separate room.
Préférant les produits locaux, cette cliente achète ses légumes au marché.
Preferring local products, this customer buys her vegetables at the market.
Grammar note
The verb préférer changes the stem vowel é to è in closed syllables (e.g., je préfère) and is commonly followed by an infinitive to express preference.
verb
Meanings
to prefer, to like or choose something or someone rather than another
Commonly used to express preference for something or someone, followed by a direct object.
to prefer to do something (often followed by an infinitive)
Often used with an infinitive to indicate a preference for a particular action.
Examples
J'ai préféré rester chez moi à cause de la pluie.
I preferred to stay at home because of the rain.
Il a préféré le modèle plus léger pour son voyage.
He preferred the lighter model for his trip.
Nous avons préféré attendre avant de prendre une décision définitive.
We preferred to wait before making a final decision.
Grammar note
The verb préférer changes the stem vowel é to è in closed syllables (e.g., je préfère) and is commonly followed by an infinitive to express preference.
verb
Meanings
to prefer, to like or choose something or someone rather than another
Commonly used to express preference for something or someone, followed by a direct object.
to prefer to do something (often followed by an infinitive)
Often used with an infinitive to indicate a preference for a particular action.
Examples
Elle préfère travailler tôt le matin quand le bureau est calme.
She prefers working early in the morning when the office is quiet.
Marc préfère le train à la voiture pour ses déplacements professionnels.
Marc prefers the train to the car for his business trips.
Le patient préfère attendre avant de commencer ce traitement.
The patient prefers to wait before starting this treatment.
Collocations
- préférer le thé au caféto prefer tea to coffee
- préférer partir tôtto prefer to leave early
Common mistakes
préférer le thé à le café
préférer le thé au café
The preposition à must contract with the masculine singular definite article le to form au; à le is not used here.
Related words
synonymaimer mieuxto prefer; to like better
Grammar note
The verb préférer changes the stem vowel é to è in closed syllables (e.g., je préfère) and is commonly followed by an infinitive to express preference.
verb
Meanings
to prefer, to like or choose something or someone rather than another
Commonly used to express preference for something or someone, followed by a direct object.
to prefer to do something (often followed by an infinitive)
Often used with an infinitive to indicate a preference for a particular action.
Examples
Je sais que tu préfères le train à la voiture.
I know that you prefer taking the train to driving.
Quand tu préfères travailler seul, installe-toi dans cette salle.
When you prefer to work alone, sit in this room.
Tu peux choisir le menu que tu préfères.
You can choose the menu you prefer.
Collocations
- préférer le thé au caféto prefer tea to coffee
- préférer partir tôtto prefer to leave early
Common mistakes
préférer le thé à le café
préférer le thé au café
The preposition à must contract with the masculine singular definite article le to form au; à le is not used here.
Related words
synonymaimer mieuxto prefer; to like better
Grammar note
The verb préférer changes the stem vowel é to è in closed syllables (e.g., je préfère) and is commonly followed by an infinitive to express preference.