[vil]

Hi David L.

Thank you for sharing your private opinion concerning the examples in my original post. I would manifest my humble opinion.

It is most likely that you have been forgotten the following rule in the English Grammar.

It is sometimes possible to find a reason for the use of a given form. With some verbs and word-groups, such as to be afraid, to forget, to hate,to like, to dislike, to prefer the infinitive is mostly used with reference to a special occasion, the gerund being more appropriate to a general statement.

You demonstrated the truth of this assertion with your lovely examples:

"I prefer to drive (to school) than walk. (there). (this is a special occasion)

"I prefer driving to walking. (this is a general statement)

Thank you for your attention.

Regards.

V.