Preferable vs. preferred

[Vitaly]

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #85 "Verbal Skills Test", question 4

I don't mind sleeping on an uncomfortable bed in a hostel as anything is ......... to sleeping in a tent.

(a) preferable
(b) preferred
(c) preferring
(d) prefers

English Language Proficiency Tests, Advanced Level

ESL/EFL Test #85 "Verbal Skills Test", answer 4

I don't mind sleeping on an uncomfortable bed in a hostel as anything is preferable to sleeping in a tent.

Correct answer: (a) preferable

Your answer was: incorrect
I don't mind sleeping on an uncomfortable bed in a hostel as anything is preferred to sleeping in a tent.
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Why "preferred" is not suitable here?

Vitaly

[Alan]

Hi Vitaly,

An interesting point. I suppose preferable as an adjective is what you would choose when you wanted to show that you would rather do one thing more than another. Preferred would be used in an official/more formal way as in:

Please indicate your preferred method of travel - coach/plane/ship.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Passive Voice