I used to prefer

solía preferir

USAGE NOTE

In English, "used to" is classified as a modal auxiliary verb that signals the imperfect tense of the verb that comes after it. In Spanish, the imperfect tense is expressed by an inflection of the verb or by the verb "soler."

I used to prefer(ay yust tu prih-fuhr)

transitive verb phrase

1. (general)

a. solía preferir

I used to prefer vanilla ice cream, but now chocolate is my favorite flavor.

Solía preferir el helado de vainilla, pero ahora el chocolate es mi sabor favorito.

b. prefería

I used to prefer going out every night, but now I like staying at home.

Prefería salir todas las noches, pero ahora me gusta quedarme en casa.