Which is correct?

To explain this, do I say that "than" isn't connected to prefer but to rather. One says rather than not prefer than.

I would prefer to make a copy than to take this whole book home. I would prefer to make a copy rather than to take this whole book home.

AnonymousTo explain this, do I say that "than" isn't connected to prefer but to rather.

Yes, I suppose you could say that, but it is more a matter of 'prefer' not being part of a grammatical comparative structure (though it has a meaning related to comparison, of course).

Should I put linked or connected in 'than isn't connected linked to the word 'prefer' but to 'rather'?

I would prefer to make a copy rather than to take this whole book home.
Am I correct?
Please convey.
Thanks

AnonymousShould I put linked or connected in 'than isn't connected linked to the word 'prefer' but to 'rather'?

Either is OK, but I like 'linked'.

MSoniI would prefer to make a copy rather than to take this whole book home.Am I correct?

Yes, you may omit the second 'to'.

Thanks

I have a question that is tricky.
What do you make of the sentence? How are you supposed to write it in terms of grammar?
best--->rather than
better--->than

I think it is best I hire someone else part time and keep him rather than hire someone else full time and fire him.

I