Conjugation

Prefer

préférer

Regular verb.

  • Spelling

    The r doubles before -ed and -ing: preferred, preferring.

  • A state, not an action

    prefer usually describes a state, so it rarely takes the -ing tenses: I prefer, not I’m preferring.

In speech, the helping verbs shorten: I’m, he’s, we’re, I’ve, I’ll, I’d.

Newbie

Enough to talk about now, the past, and your plans, and to give instructions.

  1. Present simple

    Habits, facts, and how things usually are. To say no or ask, add do or does: I don't prefer, he doesn't prefer.

    1. I / you / we / they prefer
    2. he / she / it prefers

  2. Present continuous

    What is happening now, and plans already arranged: we’re leaving tomorrow.

    1. I am preferring
    2. you / we / they are preferring
    3. he / she / it is preferring

  3. Past simple

    A finished action at a past time: yesterday, in 2020. To say no or ask, add did: I didn't prefer.

    1. I / you / he / she / it / we / they preferred

  4. Future with going to

    Plans and intentions, and what you can see coming: it’s going to rain.

    1. I am going to prefer
    2. you / we / they are going to prefer
    3. he / she / it is going to prefer

  5. Imperative

    Orders, advice, and instructions. Let’s suggests doing it together. To say no: don't prefer.

    1. (you) prefer
    2. let's prefer