Tiếng Việt
I – Vocabulary
Preference (n): has 3 syllables (/ˈpref·ər·əns/) but native speakers often say this as two syllables (/ˈpref·rəns/)
Ex: We have coffee or tea. Do you have a preference?
– We can go dancing or sing karaoke. What’s your preference?
Would Rather (/wʊd/ /ˈræð·ər/)
Ex: Would you rather go shopping or see a film?
– I would rather see a film.
– I would rather not go shopping.
Prefer (v): 2 syllables, stress on 2nd syllable (/prɪˈfɜr/)
Ex: I prefer coffee.
– I prefer coffee over tea.
– I prefer singing to dancing.
Like (v): 1 syllable (/lɑɪk/)
Ex: I like coffee.
– I like coffee more than tea.
– I like singing more than dancing.
No Preference (informal)
Ex: I don’t really care.
– I’m not picky.
– It doesn’t matter to me.
No preference (formal) Either one is fine. / I don’t have a preference.
Ex: Do you want coffee or tea?
– Either one is fine, thank you.
– I don’t have a preference.
II – Grammar
Like:
Subject + like + noun (+ more than + noun)
Ex: I like pork more than chicken.
Subject + like + (-ing) + better than + (-ing)
Ex: He likes swimming better than playing football.
Prefer:
Subject + prefer + noun (+over + noun)
Ex: She prefers beer over wine.
Subject + prefer + -ing (+to + -ing)
Ex: We prefer flying to driving.
Would Rather: (Used to show preference for the future or an event that could possibly happen in the future)
Would + rather (+ verb)
Ex: Would you rather go to Dalat or Hanoi?
– I would rather go to Hanoi.
– I don’t have a preference.
Ex: Would you rather have chocolate or vanilla ice cream?
– I would rather have chocolate ice cream.
– Either is fine.
Than (/ðæn/) VS. Then (/ðen/)
Use “than” to compare
Ex: I like watching movies better than reading books.
– I like sushi more than ramen.
Use “then” to say “next” or “in that case”
Ex: Let’s go to the market, then we’ll go home. (next)
– You don’t like cleaning? Then you can cook and I’ll clean. (in that case)