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Perfect Stranger Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Do you prefer vs would you prefer

Dear Users,

Could you please tell me the difference between these two sentences? Are both grammatically correct?

1) Do you prefer to stay home tonight?
2) Would you prefer to stay home tonight?

I'm not sure if the 1st one is actually correct. The second one sounds like there's a clear choice being given. For some reason, if we say Do you prefer to stay home on weekends the sentence sounds correct because we are asking about someone's preferences, whereas by adding tonight the sentence doesn't sound like a general question about someone's preferences...

I'm confused.

Thanks
  

Top answer

Perfect Stranger I'm not sure if the 1st one is actually correct. You're right; it's not natural. Perfect Stranger For some reason, if we say Do you prefer to stay home on weekends the sentence sounds correct Yes, that works because the present simple can be used to talk about regular actions .

— Teechr

  • Perfect Stranger I'm not sure if the 1st one is actually correct.
  • You're right; it's not natural.
  • Perfect Stranger For some reason, if we say Do you prefer to stay home on weekends the sentence sounds correct Yes, that works because the present simple can be used to talk about regular actions .
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5 Answers
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Perfect StrangerI'm not sure if the 1st one is actually correct.
You're right; it's not natural.
Perfect Stranger For some reason, if we say Do you prefer to stay home on weekends the sentence sounds correct
Yes, that works because the present simple can be used to talk about
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teechrYou're right; it's not natural.
The question is... why? I mean... grammar-wise it sounds quite alright and yet... Hmm...

How about: Do you prefer staying home tonight?
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Perfect StrangerThe question is... why?
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/prefer
Perfect StrangerHow about: Do you prefer staying home tonight?
No, that doesn't work.
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teechr How about: Do you prefer staying home tonight? No, that doesn't work.
If the speaker is asking if you like staying home, then is 1 OK without "tonight"?
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Yes, that's possible.
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