To Prefer vs Preferring Infinitives & Gerunds

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To prefer (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to prefer" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I prefer to swim in the ocean rather than in a pool.

Preferring (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "preferring" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Preferring swimming over running, she joined the swim team.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To prefer (Infinitive)

• 1. Subject

  To prefer is a matter of personal choice.

  To prefer is a matter of personal choice.

  • "*To prefer*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
  • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a matter of personal choice).
• 2. Object

  She wants me to prefer swimming in the lake.

  She wants me to prefer swimming in the lake.

  • "Me *to prefer* swimming in the lake" is the object of the verb "wants."
  • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to prefer* swimming in the lake).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  I need a calm environment to prefer swimming laps.

  I need a calm environment to prefer swimming laps.

  • "*To prefer* swimming laps" modifies the noun "environment."
  • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a calm environment *to prefer* swimming laps).

Preferring (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Preferring swimming is a personal preference.

  Preferring swimming is a personal preference.

  • "*Preferring* swimming" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (a personal preference).
• 2. Object

  I enjoy preferring swimming over other forms of exercise.

  I enjoy preferring swimming over other forms of exercise.

  • "*Preferring* swimming over other forms of exercise" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
  • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*preferring* swimming over other forms of exercise).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for preferring swimming to other sports.

  She has a passion for preferring swimming to other sports.

  • "For *preferring* swimming to other sports" is the object of the preposition "for."
  • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a passion for *preferring* swimming to other sports).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

• plan
• hope
• want
• decide
• agree

Example

She plans to prefer swimming in the ocean next summer.

They hope to prefer swimming in the open water during their vacation.

He wants to prefer swimming in natural bodies of water.

We decided to prefer swimming in the sea instead of the pool.

They agreed to prefer swimming in the race together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• enjoy
• recommend
• dislike
• avoid
• imagine

Example

She enjoys preferring swimming as her primary form of exercise.

They recommend preferring swimming for cardiovascular health.

I dislike the idea of preferring swimming over other activities.

He avoids preferring swimming in crowded places.

Can you imagine yourself preferring swimming over any other sport?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

• like
• start
• begin

Example

She likes to prefer swimming in the ocean. She likes preferring swimming in the ocean.

We started to prefer swimming competitively. We started preferring swimming competitively.

He began to prefer swimming every morning. He began preferring swimming every morning.