Many people get confused between perfer and prefer. You may have seen both words online, in messages, or even in school writing. But here is the simple truth: only one of them is correct. The confusion usually happens because the words sound similar when spoken fast, or because of typing mistakes.
In this easy guide, you will learn the meaning, difference, and correct usage of perfer vs prefer. We will explain everything in plain English, with short sentences and real-life examples.
By the end of this article, you will know:
- Which word is correct
- Why the mistake happens
- How to remember the right spelling
- How to use the correct word in daily life, school, and writing
Let’s make this confusing grammar problem simple and clear.
What Does Each Word Mean?
Meaning of Prefer
Prefer is a real English word.
It means:
👉 to like one thing more than another
You use prefer when you are choosing between two or more things.
Part of speech: Verb (an action word)
Easy examples:
- I prefer tea over coffee.
- She prefers reading books at night.
- We prefer playing outside instead of watching TV.
Think of prefer as a word for choice or liking something more.
Meaning of Perfer
Perfer is NOT a correct English word.
It has no meaning in standard English.
It is only a common spelling mistake of the word prefer.
Incorrect examples (❌ wrong):
- I perfer apples over oranges.
- She perfers blue color.
These sentences are wrong because perfer does not exist in proper English.
Simple Comparison Story
Imagine you are choosing ice cream.
You like chocolate more than vanilla.
You say:
✔ “I prefer chocolate.”
You would never say:
❌ “I perfer chocolate.”
That is the main idea.
The Key Difference Between Perfer and Prefer
The difference is very simple.
| Point | Prefer | Perfer |
|---|---|---|
| Is it a real word? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Meaning | To like one thing more | No meaning |
| Correct spelling | ✅ Correct | ❌ Wrong |
| Used in exams & writing | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Common mistake | — | Misspelling of prefer |
Quick Tip to Remember
👉 Prefer has ONE “R” after P and one after E
Spell it slowly: P-R-E-F-E-R
If you see perfer, remember:
❌ That spelling is wrong.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mistake 1: Typing Too Fast
❌ I perfer tea.
✔ I prefer tea.
Why it happens:
People type fast and mix the letters.
How to fix it:
Slow down and remember: pre + fer
Mistake 2: Copying Incorrect Online Text
❌ She perfers music.
✔ She prefers music.
Why it happens:
Many websites or comments use wrong spelling.
How to fix it:
Trust dictionaries, not random comments.
Mistake 3: Pronunciation Confusion
❌ I perfer apples.
✔ I prefer apples.
Why it happens:
The word sounds soft when spoken.
How to fix it:
Say it slowly: pre-fer, not per-fer.
When to Use Prefer
Use prefer when you want to talk about choices or liking something more.
Situations where prefer is correct:
- Choosing food
- Talking about hobbies
- Making decisions
- Writing essays
- Speaking politely
Easy real-life examples:
- I prefer milk in the morning.
- She prefers math over science.
- They prefer walking to school.
- He prefers quiet places.
- We prefer studying together.
School example:
- “I prefer English because it is fun.”
Daily life example:
- “Do you prefer pizza or burgers?”
When to Use Perfer
👉 Never.
Perfer should never be used in:
- School exams
- Essays
- Emails
- Messages
- Articles
- Formal or informal writing
If you write perfer, it will always be marked as wrong.
Memory Hack 🧠
Picture this sentence in your mind:
“I prefer the correct spelling.”
If you add extra letters or mix them, the word breaks.
Quick Recap: Perfer vs Prefer
- Prefer ✅
- Correct English word
- Means to like one thing more
- Used in daily life and writing
- Perfer ❌
- Not a real word
- Common spelling mistake
- Should be avoided always
One-line rule:
👉 If you mean “to like something more,” the answer is prefer.
Advanced Tips (For Better English)
Word Origin (Simple History)
The word prefer comes from Latin:
- “prae” = before
- “ferre” = carry
Together, it means to carry one thing before another.
That is why it means to choose or like more.
Use in Formal Writing
In essays and exams, prefer sounds polite and clear.
Examples:
- Students prefer digital books.
- Many people prefer online learning today.
Using perfer in exams can reduce marks.
Texting vs Formal Writing
In texting, people may write wrong spelling:
- “I perfer blue” ❌
But in:
- Exams
- Job emails
- Articles
Wrong spelling looks careless.
Always use:
✔ prefer
Mini Quiz: Test Yourself ✏️
Fill in the blanks with prefer.
- I ____ juice instead of soda.
- She ____ studying at night.
- Do you ____ cats or dogs?
- We ____ simple English.
- He ____ walking to school.
Answers:
- prefer
- prefers
- prefer
- prefer
- prefers
If you got all correct — great job!
FAQs: Perfer or Prefer
1. Is perfer a real word?
No. Perfer is not a correct English word. It is a spelling mistake of prefer.
2. What is the correct spelling: perfer or prefer?
The correct spelling is prefer.
3. Why do people confuse perfer and prefer?
Because they sound similar when spoken fast and are often typed incorrectly.
4. Can I use perfer in exams?
No. Using perfer in exams is always wrong and can cost marks.
5. How can I remember the correct word?
Remember: Prefer = pre + fer. Say it slowly when writing.
Conclusion
Now you clearly understand the difference between perfer and prefer. One is correct, and one is not even a real word. Prefer means choosing or liking one thing more than another, while perfer is just a common spelling mistake.
By using the tips, examples, and memory tricks from this guide, you can avoid this error forever. Practice using prefer in your daily speaking and writing. Small improvements like this make your English stronger every day.
Keep learning. Keep practicing. Your English will improve step by step.
Scottish novelist Muriel Spark (1918–2006) crafted sharp, witty stories exploring human nature, morality, and society with dark humor and insight.
