GRAMMAR FOCUS:

Would prefer (I'd prefer...)

We use "would prefer" to say what somebody wants in a particular situation (not in general):

•  "Would you prefer tea or coffee" "Coffee, please."

We say "would prefer to do":

•  "Shall we go by train?" "Well, I'd prefer to go by car.
•  I'd prefer to stay at home tonight rather than go to the cinema.

I'd rather you did something

When you want somebody to do something, you can say "I'd rather you did something":

•  "Shall I stay here?" "I'd rather you came with us."
•  "Shall I tell them the news?" "No. I'd rather they didn't know."
•  "Shall I tell them or would you rather they didn't know?"