Forgetting the Stem Change

Confusing Subjunctive Use

In the present tense, the 'e' in the middle of 'preferir' changes to 'ie' (prefiero, prefieres, prefiere). But for the 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros) forms, the 'e' stays put! It's called a 'shoe verb' because the changes only happen inside a shoe-shaped boundary on the conjugation table.

The Shoe Verb Pattern

When you prefer to do one thing over another, simply use 'preferir' followed by the base form of the second verb (infinitive): 'Prefiero comer paella' (I prefer to eat paella).

Choosing Between Actions

If you use 'prefiero que...' (I prefer that...) followed by someone else doing an action, you must use the special verb form called the subjunctive: 'Prefiero que tú vayas' (I prefer that you go).

Using the Subjunctive

To compare two specific things, use 'prefiero [A] a [B]'. (I prefer [A] to [B]). For example: 'Prefiero la playa al bosque' (I prefer the beach to the forest).

Comparing Choices

Extremely common. This is one of the most basic ways to express choice.

'Prefiero' is the Spanish 'I prefer' (yo) form of the irregular verb 'preferir'. Learn its stem-changing pattern, how to use it with actions, and when to use the subjunctive mood after it.

preferir

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations