Speaking and Writing About Preferences

There are several sentence patterns that can be used to talk about preferences.  One of the most common uses the sentence structure (sentence frame) below.

I like _________ better than __________ because __________.

I could use the above sentence frame to respond to the following question.

What do you like better, watching a movie at the theater or watching a movie at home? Why?

Possible Responses

• I like watching a movie at the theater better than watching a movie at home because it's way more exciting to be with a large group of people.
• I like watching a movie at home better than watching a movie at the theater because I can pause the movie whenever I want to, which keeps me from missing an important scene in the movie.
• I like watching a movie at home better than watching a movie at the theater because it's less expensive.
• I like watching a movie at the theater better than watching a movie at home because there's just nothing like buttery movie theater popcorn! It's the best!!

Now, it's your turn.

1. Read the following question.

What do you like better, eating something sweet like chocolate

or eating something salty like popcorn?

2. Now, think about your opinion.  Think about one or more specific reasons why you like eating sweet or salty foods better.

3. With those ideas in mind, use the following sentence frame to respond to the question.

I like _________ better than __________ because __________.

4. Practice using this same structure for other questions.