Prefer to, prefer than or prefer over?
Writing for Business
Which is correct?
Our data shows that a vast majority of customers prefer Brand A ____ Brand B.
a. to
b. than
c. over
Answer: Both A and C are correct.
If choice B turned “than” into a conjunctive phrase by adding the comparative words “rather” or “better,” it would also be correct. (Conjunctive phrases connect two grammatical equivalents.)
Correct:
Our survey found that a vast majority of customers preferred Brand A to Brand B.
Our survey found that a vast majority of customers preferred Brand A over Brand B.
Our survey found that a vast majority of customers preferred Brand A rather than Brand B.
Our survey found that a vast majority of customers preferred Brand A better than Brand B.
Incorrect:
Our survey found that a vast majority of customers preferred Brand A than Brand B.