English Grammar – Intermediate

Beginning | Intermediate | Advanced

Grammar Focus

We use these polite expressions to talk about wants and preferences:

• Would like → To talk about polite desires or requests. Common in service situations or making offers.
• Would rather → To show a preference between two or more options.
• Would prefer → To show preferences in a more formal or general way than “would rather.”

🔹 Form:

• would like + to + base verb
  ➤ “I would like to order coffee.”
• would rather + base verb (no “to”)
  ➤ “I would rather stay home tonight.”
• would prefer + to + base verb
  ➤ “I would prefer to leave early.”
  You can also use: would prefer A to B
  ➤ “I would prefer tea to coffee.”

🔹 Examples:

• I would like to try the pasta, please.
• Would you like something to drink?
• She would rather walk than drive.
• They’d rather not go out tonight.
• I would prefer to travel in the morning.
• He’d prefer coffee to tea.

✅ Remember:

• “Would like” and “would prefer” use to + verb.
• “Would rather” uses the base verb only.
• “Would prefer” is more flexible and sometimes sounds more formal.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

• Don’t say: “She would rather to go.”
  ✅ Say: “She would rather go.”
• Don’t say: “I’d prefer go out.”
  ✅ Say: “I’d prefer to go out.”

🗣️ Why This Grammar Matters for Listening and Speaking

“Would like,” “would rather,” and “would prefer” are essential in polite, respectful, and natural conversation—especially when making choices or offers.

🔹 Where you’ll hear or use them:

• Restaurants and cafés:
  “I’d like the salmon, please.”
  “Would you prefer soup or salad?”
• Making decisions together:
  “Would you rather see a movie or go bowling?”
  “I’d prefer to relax tonight.”
• Group plans or preferences:
  “They’d rather walk than wait.”
  “He would like to try a different dish.”

🔹 Tips for speaking and listening:

• Listen for shortened forms like “I’d like”, “she’d rather”, “he’d prefer”.
• “Would prefer” can sound more formal, especially in workplace or service settings.
• Use these phrases to sound respectful and collaborative, especially when giving opinions or making suggestions.

✅ These expressions help you make decisions, ask politely, and connect smoothly in everyday communication.

Now, practice your language skills with these interactive games.

Polite Offers and Preferences
Use “would like,” “would rather,” or “would prefer” in your answers. Ask your classmates follow-up questions like “Why?” or “What do you think?”

Lunch Choice:
What would you like to eat today?
➤ “I’d like a sandwich and salad. How about you?”

Evening Plans:
Would you rather stay in or go out tonight?
➤ “I’d rather stay home and rest because _____.”

Activity Preferences:
Would you prefer to visit a museum or take a walk in the park?
➤ “I’d prefer to walk in the park. There are so many things to do there.”

Ordering Drinks:
What would you like to drink?
➤ “I’d like iced tea, please.”

With Friends:
Would your friends rather watch a movie or play games?
➤ “They’d rather watch a movie.”

Personal Routines:
Would you prefer to exercise in the morning or at night?
➤ “I’d prefer to do it in the morning because ____.”

Invitations:
Would you like to go to the lake this weekend?
➤ “Yes, I’d like to go. Thanks!”

Beginning | Intermediate | Advanced