would prefer to do/would rather do

would prefer 与 would rather 虽然都作“宁愿”解,但是它们的用法却有很大的区别。

would prefer 后接带 to 的动词不定式, 而 would rather 则要求接不带 to 的动词不定式。例如:

1. What would you rather have, an apple or a piece of cake? (JED) 你愿意要什么,是苹果还是糕点?

2. I would prefer to work. 我宁愿工作。

3. I would (should) prefer to wait until evening. 我宁愿等到晚上。

另外, would prefer 还可以接名词和动名词(比较罕见), 而 would rather 则不能:

I'd prefer a cup of tea. 我宁愿来一杯茶。

(参见 would rather... than/would prefer... rather than)