I prefer to study/ studying in the library.

[dewedfrost]

I prefer to study/ studing in the library.
Hello! I'd like to ask for a piece of advice. I'm trying to understand if there is a difference between these two verb forms (study/ studying).

Context:
What are you doing?
I'm going to the library. I prefer to study (1) / studying (2) there.

Are both acceptable or correct? Is there any difference in meaning? I've already searched for such information, but I still have some doubts, and I'd like to ask for your suggestion. Thanks a lot beforehand!

 

[Tarheel]

You're right about one thing. Context is important.

Bob: Where do you like to study?
Rob: At the library. I like to study at the library.

Bob: Rob, where are you going?
Rob: I'm going to the library. I need to study for the English test.

Rob: I don't like studying at home.
Bob: Where do you prefer to study?
Rob: I prefer to study at the library.

 

[dewedfrost]

Please, have a look at the following:
What are you doing?
I'm going to the library. I prefer to study (1) there. ---> This time I want to go to study in the library, but it is not one of my usual habits.
studying (2) there. ---> I usually prefer studying in the library to studying anywhere else.

Is my reasoning correct?

 

[jutfrank]

I teach it like this:

1) prefer + -ing [for general preferences (in general time)]
2) would prefer + to-infinitive [for specific preferences (in future time)]

For example:

I usually prefer studying in the library to studying at home. However, tonight I'd prefer to study at home.

 

[dewedfrost]

Thank you, Jutfrank! But does "I prefer to study" sound incorrect then?

 

[emsr2d2]

Thank you, Jutfrank! But does "I prefer to study" sound incorrect (no comma here) then?

No, it doesn't.