Talking about likes and dislikes is a very popular conversation activity in class, and English learners can use a wide variety of verbs such as like, dislike, love, hate, enjoy, etc. But when it comes to describing what they like best among two or more options, students must know how to use prefer and rather correctly. Read on to learn some of these two common terms.
When to use rather
Rather is an adverb that has several uses, but is often used to express a preference. Note that it is usually preceded by the modal would and followed by a verb. The use of than and or is also common in some patterns with rather.
Examples:
I’d rather go out for dinner. I’m hungry! – I prefer to go out to dinner. I am hungry.
We went to the theatre yesterday. Today I would rather go to the cinema. – Yesterday we went to the theater. Today I prefer to go to the movies.
Peter’d rather spend time on the beach. – Peter prefers to spend his time at the beach.
When to use preferably
Prefer is a verb meaning “to like better”. Notice the use of to and or in some of the following patterns.
Wh-word + prefer
Which one do you prefer? – Which one do you prefer?
Prefer + gerund/infinitive
They prefer eating out to cooking at home. – They prefer eating out to cooking at home.
Prefer + noun
I prefer the red dress. – I prefer the red dress.
Prefer as a noun
Do you have a preference? – Do you have a preference?
Other options
Some other ways of expressing preferences in English include the verb like with better or more. Negative preferences can be expressed with like less or dislike more.
She likes the color blue better than green. – She likes the color blue better than green.
I like Chinese food less than Japanese food. – I like Chinese food less than Japanese food.
Learn the difference between rather and prefer
If you want to learn more grammar tricks like the difference between too and enough, the best thing to do is to start as soon as possible. At FunTalk we have English courses for all ages and levels, so you can learn at your own pace and defend yourself perfectly in this language.
Every night the same thing happens in a million homes. People sit on the couch with the remote control in hand, not knowing what to watch. If you feel identified with this reality, don’t worry! In FunTalk we have prepared a list of the best documentaries you can watch in English, so you can learn the language while acquiring knowledge of general culture. Shall we start?
Free solo
The award-winning Free Solo is the brainchild of National Geographic. The documentary chronicles climber Alex Honnold’s ascent to the top of the treacherous El Capitan in Yosemite National Park…. without ropes, harnesses or any of those pesky protective things. In addition, the documentary features stunning cinematography.
They Shall Not Grow Old
Peter Jackson is best known for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings films, but here he takes on an even greater task, as he takes footage from World War I films and restores it. The men at the front talk about the war itself, the food they eat, the friends they make and their dreams for the future. The addition of color, spoken voices, narration and sound effects, brings the story to life and for that reason, given the subject matter, is probably best viewed by older teens. You can find it on Amazon Prime and it’s recommended for ages 14+!
March of the Penguins
March of the Penguins was not only a legitimate cultural phenomenon when it was released in 2005, it is one of the best nature documentaries the world has ever seen. Seriously: who would have thought that the bizarre penguin mating season could excite us in such a way? We almost forgot: March of the Penguins boasts the holy grail of a 21st century documentary. The narration is provided by none other than Morgan Freeman.
Ladies First
If you usually take your kids between sports activities, let them take some time to see how an inspirational girl who grew up in poverty made it to the top of her sport. Deepika Kumari was not only poor, but she came from an Indian culture where girls were not expected to play sports. He took up archery at age 12 because the archery team received one meal a day. She may have been driven by hunger, but her talent led her to make the Indian team at the 2016 Rio Olympics.
A Year to change the world
This three-part documentary follows Greta Thunberg as she travels the world in 2019 to witness the devastation caused by climate change and shows the young activist confronting some world leaders along the way. The scenes of the natural world are predictably breathtaking and the series offers a charming glimpse into Thunberg’s family life. Ultimately, it serves as a poignant reminder of the 16-year-old’s remarkable achievements.
Why watch documentaries in English?
Documentaries, as well as series in English, are the perfect opportunity for our ear to get used to the language, and to get to know more typical expressions of the language itself. In fact, it’s the best way to learn without even realizing it. If you choose to watch television in its original version, and you also join an English language school in Barcelona, your level will increase incredibly.
There are different certificates to officially certify your level of English, but are you clear about which ones exist and what their differences are? We tell you all the secrets in the following article.
Why accredit your English level?
Today, universities and colleges around the world offer numerous courses taught exclusively in English, making it easier for international students to enroll in their study programs. However, there are still many entities that do not offer this service, which is considered essential, in turn, to open more doors to the world of work.
To pass an English test and obtain the language certificate, you may have to invest a lot of time and effort, depending on your current level of English. That is why you should start preparing and practicing as soon as possible with official exam preparation courses.
Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is one of the main entities in charge of conducting exams to accredit the level of English. These include levels A2 (KET) B1 (PET), B2 (FCE), C1 (CAE) and C2 (CPE).
Key English Test (KET)
Commonly known as the KET exam, it is an introductory or elementary qualificationfor learners of English as a second language. This is the point for younger students, who are still new to learning English, to demonstrate their ability to communicate in simple, everyday situations.
Preliminary English Test (PET)
The Preliminary English Test (PET) is a B1 level exam for students of English who want to demonstrate that they have mastered the basic elements of the English language and have the necessary skills for everyday use of English. This exam is an ideal bridge between the KET A2 and the FCE B2 exams.
First Certificate in English (FCE)
The Cambridge B2 First (FCE) is used as a school leaving exam at almost all levels of education. It is also used in the corporate sector. This test is an advantage for all CVs and enhances all applications where English language skills are required.
Certificate in Advanced English (CAE)
Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE) is an official Cambridge English exam at advanced level that requires proficiency in all language skills, set at level C1 of the Council of Europe’s Common Framework of Reference for Languages. When accredited at this level, users can participate effectively in meetings and seminars within their work environment or maintain an informal conversation with a good degree of fluency in abstract expressions.
Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
This certificate accredits the students’ knowledge of English. It certifies that they have reached an advanced level of English, and its attainment is equivalent to language level C2, in which students are able to express themselves as a bilingual person. In other words, students who obtain the Certificate of Proficiency in English are able to work or study in English in any sector. Their level is more or less equivalent to that of a native English speaker: they can speak without making mistakes and use complex sentence structures.
TOEFL
The TOEFL test is an internationally recognized test that measures the ability of non-native speakers of English to use and understand English at the university level.
If you wish to study at an English-speaking university or take a program taught in English, most universities and schools require non-native English speakers to provide proof, as part of their application, that their English language skills will be sufficient to successfully participate in the course. The TOEFL iBT is the most widely accepted test of academic English proficiency.
IELTS
IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, creates opportunities worldwide for test takers, such as students who want to study at foreign universities and professionals seeking jobs around the world. IELTS has an excellent international reputation and is the most widely accepted English language test.
Learning English is difficult, but thanks to new platforms like Netflix, HBO or Dinsey Plus, you can do it in a fun way. With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to know which series to start with. Therefore, today we will list the best series for you to learn easily.
Friends
Friends is a well-known 90’s sitcom about 6 best friends living in New York. You will see each of the characters as they live and grow together through the challenges of their 20s and 30s. The language is simple, clear and modern.
Watching Friends is a great way to learn idioms or expressions, but you can also understand the series without knowing them. With 10 seasons available, you have a wealth of learning material.
Gilmore girls
It’s a classic for its quirky characters and the relationships they form feel surprisingly real, and the fast flow of banter is maintained.
In addition, since the series follows three generations of Gilmores, family members of different ages can find a story they can identify withWhether they are navigating the pressures of school and first love like Rory, discovering adulthood and parenting like Lorelai, or trying to get along with family members with very different ideas than yours like Emily.
Once upon a time
Once upon a time is the ideal series for true Disney fans. The series follows Emma, whose young son takes her to a town full of fairy tale characters who have been cursed to live in the real world without their previous memories.
By bringing such well-known characters as Snow White, Belle and Elsa into our world, while adding new details about their pasts. It’s an immersive view of the stories you and your family probably grew up watching (and can now enjoy in a new way).
The Good Place
This fantasy comedy is a great Netflix series to watch if you want to focus on something lighthearted.
The story follows Eleanor Shellstrop, a young American woman who dies, enters the afterlife and accidentally arrives at The Good Place, a fictional utopia reserved only for people who have done great things in life. Realizing her mistake, Eleanor desperately tries to become a more ethical person and hide her morally corrupt past.
It is very visual and the dialogues are clear, so it is easy to follow the plot. Again, the episodes are short, so it is not necessary to concentrate too long. There are also some funny phrases.
Modern Family
For many, Modern Family is considered one of the best family series ever. There are a lot of different characters, so naturally, you will learn a lot of different idioms and expressions if you decide to improve your skills with Modern Family. Gloria, a Hispanic character, will give you the confidence you need to go out and speak English. She is an inspiration for her energy and constant efforts to be a good English speaker.
Why watch original version series to learn English?
Although platforms for watching series are great for developing your listening and comprehension skills, to really learn a language you also need to practice speaking. Why not use your new knowledge of English phrases and vocabulary and take it to the next level? Sign up now for FunTalk English courses and mix it with self-study to gain more knowledge and learn faster.
In today’s article we are going to see the difference between the adverbs too (too much of something) and enough (enough or too much) in English, so that you will know how to use them properly. One of the first lessons you will be taught when you take a course at an English language school.
When do we use enough?
This adverb can be used with nouns, adjectives or other adverbs, and means “enough”. However, depending on the word it accompanies, it will occupy one position or another in the sentence.
Use of enough when accompanying nouns
When enough is used with a noun, it will occupy the same position as an adjective, that is, first enough and then the noun. It is used to make negative or interrogative sentences.
I don’t have enough money to buy a new car. I don’t have enough money to buy a new car.
Use of enough when accompanying adjectives and adverbs
In this case, the adjective is placed first and then the adverb enough. This construction is used to formulate negative or interrogative sentences.
The soup isn’t hot enough. The soup is not hot enough.
Use of enough for for + object structure
As with the adverb too, we can also use enough after an adjective or other adverb in the structure for + object, which can be followed by an infinitive with to.
This bus is not fast enough for me. This bus is not fast enough for me.
There are enough coins for you to buy some bananas. There are enough coins for you to buy bananas.
Solo use of enough
There is one last case for using enough, and that is when we use it only as if it were a pronoun.
Buy more oranges if you haven’t got enough. Buy more oranges if you don’t have enough.
When do we use too?
The adverb too is used to express sufficiency or lack thereof. We can use it together with adjectives or other adverbs and, when we join it with many or much, we can also use it with nouns or alone.
Use of too with adjectives and adverbs
In this case, it is used to intensify their value. Too is placed before the adjective or adverb.
The television is too loud. The television is set too high.
Use of too much and too many
Too much and too many are used when accompanying nouns. One or the other option is used to differentiate countable nouns from uncountable nouns and will be placed before the noun in question.
The are too many people and there’s too much noise. There are too many people and too much noise.
Use of too for structure for + object
We can use after too and adjective or adverb the structure for + object, which can also be followed by an infinitive with to.
This drink is too hot for me. This drink is too hot for me.
Differentiate adverbs in English
As you can see, differentiating the adverbs too and enough in English is essential to have a solid grammatical base and to formulate sentences correctly. You can learn to differentiate other adverbs such as already and yet to continue advancing in your English level.
Already and yet are two very used adverbs which we must be clear about their difference and give them their correct use. Here, we will show you how to use them to perfection.
Already
We use already to refer to something that has happened or may have happened before the time of speaking. Already can sometimes suggest surprise on the part of the speaker, that something is unexpected, for example:
Is it nine o’clock already? – Is it ten o’clock already?
(in this case the speaker did not expect it to be so late).
It goes in the affirmative before the main verb. That is, between the have and the participle. If already is used with the present perfect tense it means “before now”. You should use it to emphasize that something happened before something else or earlier than expected.
The plane’s left already! – The plane has already left!
Already can be placed between the auxiliary and main verb or at the end of the clause.
The plane has already arrived – El avión ya ha llegado.
Here are some examples:
I have already finished my homework – Ya han terminado mis deberes
I have already seen that video! – I have already seen this video.
Angie has already arrived home. – Angie has already arrived home.
I have already bought the tickets- Ya compré las entradas.
The boys have already finished dinner and are ready for bed. – The children have finished dinner and are ready for bed.
When Marta met Oscar she had already divorced her first husband. – When Marta met Oscar, she had already divorced her first husband.
I already know how to do this exercise.
Yet
Now we talk about the use of yet. It can be used as an adverb, to talk about an additional idea or to emphasize a feeling or thought. It can also be used as a conjunction, similar to the way conjunctions such as “but” or “however” are used. With proper placement and punctuation, you can use yet with confidence when writing or speaking.
We use yet as an adverb to refer to a time that begins in the past and continues to the present. It is used mainly in negative statements or in questions in the present perfect tense. It is usually in the end position:
Haven’t finished my dinner yet. – I haven’t finished my dinner yet.
We find yet in negative form when it indicates that an event is expected to occur in the future:
Martin hasn’t phoned yet. – Martin has not yet called
We use the interrogative with yet when the speaker is waiting for something to happen:
Has your passport arrived yet? – has your passport arrived yet?
Here are some examples:
How do you know the answer if you haven’t asked the question yet. -How can you know the answer if you haven’t asked the question yet?
We can still go to Berta’s birthday party, She hasn’t arrived yet. -We can still go to Berta’s birthday party, she hasn’t arrived yet.
Don’t put the pasta in the water yet, it’s not boiling. – Do not put the pasta in the water yet, it is not boiling.
They haven’t even finished the building yet.
I haven’t called the cab yet. – I have not called the cab yet.I haven’t considered your offer yet. – I have not yet considered your offer.
The store hasn’t closed yet. – The store has not yet closed.
We hope that from the explanation and examples you understand the correct usage of these two important English expressions. But don’t forget, the secret to understanding is practice.
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Prefer is a verb meaning “to like better”. Notice the use of to and or in some of the following patterns.
They Shall Not Grow Old
A Year to change the world
Cambridge
TOEFL
Gilmore girls
The Good Place
Already can be placed between the auxiliary and main verb or at the end of the clause.
continues to the present. It is used mainly in negative statements or in questions in the present perfect tense. It is usually in the end position: