Correct and natural? 'Tom prefers the movies over the computer more nowadays'?

If he prefers something, he likes it more than something else. You don't have to say "more."

Tom prefers the movies to the computer nowadays.

These days, Tom likes going to the movies more than he does playing on the computer.

Grammar GeekThese days, Tom likes going to the movies more than he does playing on the computer.

GG, can I obmit [he does]?

You can, but the reader may be set with the expectation that you're telling him that Tom likes going to the movies more than the live theater -- in other words, the contrast is between where he likes to go rather than what he likes to do. Adding in "he does" shows that we're contrasting entire activities, not imply destinations.

Thanks for your replies.

GG, what if I want to express a gradual increase in preference?

A gradula increase? Can you tell me what you mean?

Tom has a slight preference for action films over dramas - something like that?

When I read the sentence I understood "more" to mean "more than before". In other words, Tom's preference for the movies is stronger than it used to be. I think that's what PBF is getting at...

Grammar GeekYou can, but the reader may be set with the expectation that you're telling him that Tom likes going to the movies more than the live theater

GG, Sorry but I don't see why omitting 'he does' changes the meaning of the sentence. Below is how I would parse the sentence without 'he does'. It's clear that we're comparing activities. Coudl you help me

It doesn't change the meaning at all - it helps the reader know where we're going. If it confuses you, then don't worry about it. Just leave it out. It's grammatical without it.

Tom likes going (to the movies) more than (to the live theater).

Tom likes (going to the moves) more than (playing on the computer).

Thanks GG. I'll give it some more thought.

Thank you for all of your replies.

GG, I wanted to indicate that Tom increasingly enjoys going to the movies more than he does playing on the computer. This is what I intended to mean by 'more'. I wonder how would you bring out this meaning here? Thanks again.

PBF