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

She prefers to swim in the pool rather than the ocean.

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

  They want us to prefer swimming in the lake.

  They want us to prefer swimming in the lake.

  • "Us *to prefer* swimming in the lake" is the object of the verb "want."
  • Noun (They) + verb (want) + noun phrase (us *to prefer* swimming in the lake).
• 3. Adjective Modifier

  He needs a heated pool to prefer swimming during winter.

  He needs a heated pool to prefer swimming during winter.

  • "*To prefer* swimming during winter" modifies the noun "pool."
  • Noun (He) + verb (needs) + noun phrase (a heated pool *to prefer* swimming during winter).

Preferring (Gerund)

• 1. Subject

  Preferring swimming is her favorite hobby.

  Preferring swimming is her favorite hobby.

  • "*Preferring* swimming" is the subject of the sentence.
  • Gerund (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (her favorite hobby).
• 2. Object

  He enjoys preferring swimming in the lake.

  He enjoys preferring swimming in the lake.

  • "*Preferring* swimming in the lake" is the object of the verb "enjoys."
  • Noun (He) + verb (enjoys) + gerund (*preferring* swimming in the lake).
• 3. Object of Preposition

  She has a passion for preferring swimming over other sports.

  She has a passion for preferring swimming over other sports.

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

• agree
• hope
• decide
• attempt
• like

Example

We agreed to prefer swimming in the morning.

She hopes to prefer swimming with dolphins on her vacation.

He decided to prefer swimming in the open water.

They attempted to prefer swimming long distances.

I like to prefer swimming in calm waters.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

• avoid
• recommend
• consider
• mind
• imagine

Example

He avoids preferring swimming in crowded pools.

They recommend regular preferring swimming for overall fitness.

I am considering preferring swimming as my main form of exercise.

Do you mind preferring swimming in the early morning?

Can you imagine yourself preferring swimming with sharks?

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.