A grammar problem:What is the difference between「 preference to」 and 「preference for」?

Question

What is the difference between
「 preference to」
and
「preference for」;
Are the meaing of these two similar or different?

When do I use 「preference to」
and when to use 「preference for」？

Answer 1

"Preference to" is used with a verb
"Preference for" is used with a noun

For example, With a preference to dance (verb), she has a preference for dancing (noun).

Answer 2

No, 'preference to' is not correct in any context and should not be used, and neither should 'prefer to,' really. 'Preference for' is acceptable in some cases. They're both rather idiomatic.

For example, you technically could say the following sentence using 'prefer to':
I would prefer to go fishing.

Or you could just get rid of the 'prefer to' construction altogether (which I recommend) and say:
I would rather go fishing.

And this latter sounds much better.

A few more examples:

I prefer to fish.
I prefer eating fish.
I have a preference for fish. but NOT I have a preference for fishing.

I would still avoid using 'preference for' altogether (it's very awkward and adds a lot of unnecessary words) and use the simpler and easier construction: 'I prefer.'

Answer 3

Preference for is most commonly used and is actually the more correct phrasing. If you're going to use an alternate wording, use preference toward, not just "to". Other than that, they are interchangeable.

Answer 4

"Prefer to" is usually followed by a verb. Example: I prefer to fart than to belch.
Sometimes, however, it can be followed by a noun. However, this type of usage is slangy and usually incorrect. Example: I prefer Cameron Diaz to Lucy Liu.
"Preference for" is usually followed by a noun or a noun/adjective combination. Example: I have a preference for photographs, rather than paintings. OR I have a preference for shiny red sports cars.

Answer 5

preference to [a person]
preference for [a thing]