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Can I put with verb PREFER and I use it in past continues?



 
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Short form for the name 'Harrison' | Before long vs long before
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Can I put with verb PREFER and I use it in past continues? #1 (permalink) Sun Nov 12, 2006 18:02 pm   Can I put with verb PREFER and I use it in past continues?
 

Hi, my teachers!

first good night to all you. :D

I have a small questionو and I hope you answer me, please!

can I put (ing) with verb prefer and I use it in past continues
like I was preferring write a small Ideas .

that right!! :?:

regards,
Mba
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Preferring #2 (permalink) Sun Nov 12, 2006 19:41 pm   Preferring
 

Hi Mba

It would be extremely unusual to use 'prefer' in the past continuous tense. You should use the simple past tense:

I preferred to write about small ideas. (one particular time in the past)

OR

I preferred writing about small ideas. (many times in the past)

Amy

PS
"Good night" is usually used to say "Goodbye". To say hello at night or in the evening, you should use "Good evening". :wink:
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Preferring #3 (permalink) Sun Nov 12, 2006 22:06 pm   Preferring
 

Interesting question.

Quote:
It would be extremely unusual to use 'prefer' in the past continuous tense.
BNC:
Only 1 solutions found for this query

CBN 1099 But Bartleby by his refusal was preferring not to live.
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Preferring #4 (permalink) Sun Nov 12, 2006 23:37 pm   Preferring
 

Hi Tamara

The verb 'prefer' is not used in any of the continuous tenses terribly often. You're more likely to find 'preferring' as just the present participle (rather than a continuous tense):

Preferring to have some peace and quiet for a change, I moved from the city to the country.

Amy
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Preferring #5 (permalink) Mon Nov 13, 2006 0:04 am   Preferring
 

OK. Thanks.
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Can I put with verb PREFER and I use it in past continues? #6 (permalink) Mon Nov 13, 2006 6:19 am   Can I put with verb PREFER and I use it in past continues?
 

Hi, Amy and Tamara!

Thanks amy about your explaining to this tense

Mba.
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