IELTS Speaking: Speech Functions: Expressing a Preference

In the Speaking Module, you should try to  use various speech functions. One of these is expressing a preference, how to talk about things in relation to other things. You might not need this in Part 1 and 2, but you’ll certainly be asked to compare things in Part 3.

I’d rather play chess than just about any other game

Prefer

When you are comparing two or more specific things, use these patterns:

•  … prefer A to B
• … prefer doing A to (doing) B
• … prefer to do this than do that

I prefer rice to noodles any day.

I prefer staying at home to going out in the evening.

I prefer to speak face to face than talk online.

When you have just one thing (and you aren’t really comparing it to a specific other thing), use this pattern:

• … prefer to A

I prefer to send a hand-written letter.

When you are talking about your favourite things:

• … much prefer A

I love many types of cuisine, but to be honest I much prefer Italian.

Would rather

• … would rather do A than (do) B

Of all the choices offered, frankly, I’d rather go to Rome than anywhere else.

Never use would rather followed by a verb+ing

I would rather going shopping WRONG

Like something rather/better than something else

I like apples better than bananas

I like to go jogging rather than swimming

Compared to /  comparing 

Compared to London, Paris was a bit dirty

When comparing London and Paris, I’d have to say the latter was dirtier than the former

Rather than

The movie was more of a thriller, rather than an action movie