Topic: Expressing preferences using PREFER, WOULD PREFER, and WOULD RATHER.

We can learn in this lesson how to express preferences.
Students sometimes confuse these expression ; prefer, would prefer, would rather.

[Difference in meaning]
We use prefer when we talk about what we like in general.
We use would prefer and would rather when we talk about specific choices in particular situation.

[Difference in Form]
Prefer and would prefer can be followed by Infinitive, Gerund and Noun.
However, would rather is going to take the base Verb.

[Naming our choices]
When we answer using ‘would prefer and would rather’, we have to use different prepositions.
I’d prefer going for a walk to taking a nap.
I’d rather go for a walk than take a nap.

Source : JenniferESL

Embedded Question is a question placed inside another question or a question inside a larger sentence.You can watch Jennifer’s video lesson with captions. This captions will be helpful for lower level students. If you prefer this lesson without captions, you can  download  at http://www.vimeo.com/24075940 .

Additional practice is available at EnglishCafe.com. Try a short comprehension check and a quiz on forming embedded questions. http://www.englishcafe.com/lessons/embedded-questions-part-1-introduction-140246

[Wish + simple past, past progressive, or could]

I wish we had a Christmas tree.

I wish we were flying first class.

I wish I could sing you Christmas carol, but I don’t remember any.

1. My husband and I don’t go many formal events, He hasn’t worn a tuxedo in years.

2. I live in the suburbs of Boston. I haven’t gone downtown for almost a month. I don’t have much reason to travel far from home.

3. My children enjoy visiting this local farm, but they haven’t been there since early October.

Source : Simple English News.com

Source : Simple English News.com

Please go to Grammar – Demonstrative Adjectives & Intensifying to view the quiz
Source : Simple English News.com

Common mistakes in English.
1. Used to – past events, past situations, past actions
2. Be used to – not limited to the past.
3. Get used to

[Used to]

I used to be better at the piano. = I was better in the past. Now I am not that good.
I used to play piano more often. = In the past I played more often. I don’t play much any more.
So used to means ‘not now, not any more, no longer.’
I used to practice regularly.
I didn’t use to complain about not having time to practice.
Did you use to paly a lot?
Didn’t you use to take a lesson?
How often did you use to play?

[Be used to]

My fingers aren’t used to moving that fast. = It’s not easy for my fingers to move that fast.
I am not used to performing on camera. = I am not comfortable performing on camera.
I’m used to my electronic keyboard.
So ‘be used to’ express that something is familiar, comfortable, or normal for someone.

This vedio lesson is very useful to understand “used to”, “be used to”, “get used to”.  If you have not yet studied the ‘Used to, part 1′ section, Go to the part 1 first.

‘Get used to’ express that someone becomes familiar or comfortable with a situation or activity.
‘Be used to’ = alreay comfortable or familiar.

I quickly got used to an electronic keyboard. = It was strange at first to play on an electronic keyboard, but I quickly became comfortable with it.

Example
He used to drive a stick shift.
He had to get used to driving an automatic.