The verb to prefer · Conjugation
Past Simple of prefer
The answer: preferred
A2
A finished action at a definite time in the past.
Quick answer
The Past Simple of the verb to prefer is preferred.
Example: I preferred the second option.
Full conjugation in the Past Simple
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| I | preferred |
| You | preferred |
| He / She / It | preferred |
| We | preferred |
| You (pl.) | preferred |
| They | preferred |
Common mistakes to avoid
1. Prefered ❌
Preferred takes a double r because the stress is on -fer.
2. I prefer A than B ❌
Use to (or over), never than: I prefer football to tennis.
Practice quiz
Going further
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Frequently asked questions
What is the past tense of prefer?+
Preferred (double r), because the stress is on the last syllable: pre-FER.
How do you use prefer A to B?+
Put to between the two choices: I prefer tea to coffee. Don't say prefer A more than B.
Why does preferred have two r's?+
The stress is on the last syllable, and it ends in one vowel + one consonant: so you double the consonant. The same goes for refer → referred.
How do you use would prefer?+
Would prefer is a polite way to say what you want now: I'd prefer water, please.
What is a preference?+
A preference is the thing you like more. Personal preference means your own taste.
Related pages: prefer Past Simple
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/past-simple
© 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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More forms of the verb to prefer are coming soon.