prefer tea to coffee

Meaning

This expression describes a personal preference where someone likes one thing more than another. In English, the preposition 'to' is used to connect the two options, rather than 'than' or 'over'. It is a standard, polite way to express choices in daily conversations.

Examples

• I usually prefer tea to coffee in the morning because it's gentler on my stomach.

  I usually prefer tea to coffee in the morning because it's gentler on my stomach.

• My sister says she prefers tea to coffee, but I always see her drinking lattes.

  My sister says she prefers tea to coffee, but I always see her drinking lattes.

• If you prefer tea to coffee, we have a great selection of herbal blends.

  If you prefer tea to coffee, we have a great selection of herbal blends.

• I've started to prefer tea to coffee lately since I'm trying to cut down on caffeine.

  I've started to prefer tea to coffee lately since I'm trying to cut down on caffeine.

• Do you prefer tea to coffee, or do you just drink whatever is available?

  Do you prefer tea to coffee, or do you just drink whatever is available?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I prefer tea than coffee.

  ✓ I prefer tea to coffee.

  English learners often translate literally from their native language and use 'than' with 'prefer', but the correct preposition is always 'to'.

• ✗ I prefer tea more than coffee.

  ✓ I prefer tea to coffee.

  Adding 'more than' is redundant because the verb 'prefer' already contains the meaning of liking something more.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I actually ___ because coffee makes me too jittery.

  💡 Use 'prefer' and 'to'.

  Show answer

  prefer tea to coffee

• Do you really ___? I thought you loved espresso!

  💡 Ask about their beverage choice.

  Show answer

  prefer tea to coffee