Have you ever typed perfer and seen a red underline? You are not alone. Many people search for Perfer Or Prefer because the words look and sound close. The confusion happens fast when typing. One extra letter can change everything.
English spelling is tricky. Some words double letters. Some do not. That is why people often wonder: Is it perfer or prefer? Is one British and the other American? Or is one simply wrong?
This guide gives you a quick and clear answer. It also explains the origin of the word, spelling rules, and common mistakes.
You will see real examples from daily life, emails, and social media. You will also get a comparison table and helpful FAQs.
If you want a simple answer plus expert advice, this article solves your problem step by step.
Perfer Or Prefer – Quick Answer →
The correct spelling is Prefer.
Perfer is a spelling mistake. It is not a real English word in American or British English.
Examples:
I Prefer coffee over tea.
They Prefer to travel by train.
The Origin of Perfer Or Prefer →
The word Prefer comes from Latin praeferre. It means “to carry before” or “to like one thing more than another.”
Over time, the word moved into Old French and then into English. The spelling became Prefer.
Why do people write perfer?
Because English speakers hear the “r” sound twice. When typing fast, they mix the letters. But in history, the correct form has always been Prefer. There has never been an accepted version spelled perfer.
British English vs American English Spelling →
Some words change spelling in British and American English. For example:
| American English | British English |
| Color | Colour |
| Favorite | Favourite |
| Organize | Organise |
But Prefer is the same in both versions.
| Version | Correct Spelling |
| American English | Prefer |
| British English | Prefer |
| Common Misspelling | Perfer ❌ |
So there is no regional difference here. Both the US and UK use Prefer.
Which Spelling Should You Use? →
Always use Prefer.
- If you write for a US audience → Use Prefer
- If you write for a UK audience → Use Prefer
- If you write for a global audience → Use Prefer
The word does not change across regions. Using perfer will look unprofessional everywhere.
Common Mistakes with Perfer Or Prefer →
Here are common errors:
| Mistake | Correction |
| Perfer | Prefer |
| I perfer tea | I Prefer tea |
| She perfered coffee | She Preferred coffee |
| Perfering | Preferring |
Notice that when adding endings like -ed or -ing, the “r” doubles:
- Preferred
- Preferring
But the base word stays Prefer.
Perfer Or Prefer in Everyday Examples →
Here is how the correct word appears in daily life:
Email:
I Prefer to schedule the meeting on Monday.
News Article:
Many people Prefer online shopping.
Social Media:
Do you Prefer cats or dogs?
Formal Writing:
The company Prefers digital payments.
In all cases, the spelling is always Prefer.
Perfer Or Prefer – Google Trends & Usage Data →
Search data shows that Prefer is widely used worldwide. The misspelling perfer appears in search engines because people make typing errors.
Countries where “perfer” is often searched:
- United States
- India
- Pakistan
- United Kingdom
Most searches happen because users want to confirm the correct spelling. The correct and popular word is always Prefer.
Comparison Table – Perfer Or Prefer
| Word | Correct? | Meaning | Usage |
| Prefer | ✅ Yes | To like one thing more than another | Formal & informal writing |
| Perfer | ❌ No | No meaning | Spelling mistake |
FAQs About Perfer Or Prefer
1. Is perfer a real English word?
No. It is a spelling mistake.
2. Why do people type perfer?
Because of fast typing or letter confusion.
3. Is prefer British or American?
Both. The spelling is the same.
4. How do you spell prefer in past tense?
Preferred.
5. How do you spell prefer with -ing?
Preferring.
6. Is perfer acceptable in informal writing?
No. It is always incorrect.
7. Why does prefer double the “r” in preferring?
Because of English spelling rules when adding suffixes.
Conclusion
Now you clearly understand Perfer Or Prefer. The correct spelling is Prefer. The word has Latin roots and has always been spelled this way in English. There is no British or American difference. The spelling stays the same worldwide.
The mistake perfer happens because people type fast or mix the letters. But in professional writing, emails, school work, or business content, using the wrong spelling can hurt your credibility.
If you remember one thing, remember this:
Prefer is correct. Perfer is wrong.
Use Prefer in all situations. Whether you write for the US, UK, or global readers, this spelling will always be correct. Clear spelling builds trust. Correct writing shows professionalism.
Now you can write with confidence and avoid this common mistake forever.

I am John Grisham, a bestselling author known for thrilling legal dramas that captivate millions. Discover more about my work at my site, Grammlyx.com.

