The verb to prefer · Conjugation
Conditional (would) of prefer
The answer: would prefer
B1
An imaginary or hypothetical situation.
Quick answer
The Conditional (would) of the verb to prefer is would prefer.
Example: I would prefer tea if it were cold.
Full conjugation in the Conditional (would)
| Pronoun | Form | Contraction |
|---|---|---|
| I | would prefer | I'd prefer |
| You | would prefer | You'd prefer |
| He / She / It | would prefer | He'd / She'd / It'd prefer |
| We | would prefer | We'd prefer |
| You (pl.) | would prefer | You'd prefer |
| They | would prefer | They'd prefer |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. If I would have money ❌
Do not use would after if. In the if part, use the Past Simple. Would goes in the other part: If I had money, I would travel. The present is wrong too: If I have money, I would travel ❌.
2. I would to prefer ❌
After would, use the base form, with no to and no -s: I would prefer, she would prefer. This is true for all modal verbs (helper verbs like can, could, should and must). But remember I would like to prefer: here, to belongs to like.
3. I would can prefer ❌
Would cannot go with can or must. Use could instead of “would can”: I could prefer. Use would have to instead of “would must”: I would have to prefer.
Practice quiz
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Frequently asked questions
How do you conjugate prefer with would?+
Use would + the base form (the verb with no to): would prefer. The form is the same for every person: I would prefer, she would prefer, they would prefer. The short form is 'd: I'd prefer.
When do you use would prefer?+
Use would for an imaginary situation that is not real now: If I had more time, I would learn the guitar. You also use it to be polite: Would you like some juice?, I'd like a sandwich, please.
How do you use would prefer in a sentence with if?+
Use if + the Past Simple in one part of the sentence, and would prefer in the other part. Example: If I had more money, I would buy a new bike. Never put would in the if part: If I would have more money is wrong.
What is the difference between will prefer and would prefer?+
Will prefer is for the real future: something you think will happen. Would prefer is for an imaginary situation. Compare: If it's sunny tomorrow, we will go to the beach (this is possible). If I lived near the sea, I would go to the beach every day (but I don't live near the sea).
What are the short forms of would prefer?+
Would becomes 'd: I'd prefer, she'd prefer. The negative would not becomes wouldn't: I wouldn't prefer. Careful: 'd can also mean had. 'd + base form = would; 'd + past participle = had.
Related pages: prefer Conditional (would)
Pages on a similar topic or with a similar use, so you can keep exploring.
Updated on 12 November 2026 by the Big Challenge teaching team. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999. Our teaching approach →
The Big Challenge · Updated on 12 November 2026 · Source: www.thebigchallenge.com/bl/academy/learn-english/verbs/prefer/conditional-would
© The Big Challenge. Copying allowed for classroom use. Every year, more than 500,000 students across Europe take part in our English contest, created in 1999.
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