Choose the phrase that correctly completes the sentence: John ___ sports than playing them.

• A. Prefers watching
• B. Enjoys watching
• C. Likes watching
• D. Hates watching

Answer: (A)

Expressing a preference between two related activities is being tested. The sentence is asking which verb best shows that John chooses one activity over the other. The word that conveys this choice most clearly is “prefers,” because it signals ranking one option above another. With the phrase “prefers watching,” the idea is that John would rather watch sports than play them, and the rest of the sentence keeps the comparison between watching and playing. The gerund forms—watching and playing—function as the activities being compared, with “them” referring to the sports.

The other options express feelings toward watching without establishing the contrast to playing, or they express the opposite feeling, which changes the meaning of the sentence. Thus, the best choice is the one that communicates a clear preference between the two activities.