How to Use “Would Rather”

How to Use “Would Rather”

How to use “would rather”

We use the phrase “would rather” to talk about preferences. If you say that you would rather do something or that you’d rather do it, you mean that you would prefer to do it. We use “would rather” with the bare infinitive to talk about what we would prefer to do in the present or future.

• I would rather stay at home than go to the cinema. I’m a bit tired.
• I’d rather live in the country than in a big city. I like peace and quiet.
• I’d rather die than apologize to Mark. I’m really mad at him.
• I would rather take than drive. The traffic is horrible today.

Structure of “would rather”

How to use “would rather”

Affirmative sentences

Subject + would rather + bare infinitive + than + bare infinitive

• They would rather die than surrender.
• Gemma would rather eat out than cook. She doesn’t feel like cooking tonight.
• Peter would rather spend than save. He’s a big spender.
• I bet Sally will not pass her exam. She would rather listen to music than study.

Negative sentences

Subject + would rather + not + bare infinitive

• Peter would rather not talk about work in his free time. He wants to relax.
• I’d rather not spend the evening watching TV. Let’s go out.
• We’d rather not travel during the rush hour. We’d better set off later.
• She would rather not discuss the matter today. She’s having a headache.

How to use “would rather”

Questions

Would + subject + rather + bare infinitive + than + bare infinitive?

• Would you rather have tea than coffee? You look pale.
• Would you rather travel by plane than by train?
• Would you rather work from home than in the office?

Subject + would rather + person + past tense

We use this structure to say what we would like another person to do, as an alternative way of saying, “I would prefer it if…”

• She would rather he called her before coming over.
• I’d rather you didn’t ask me that. I don’t want to talk about it.
• Would you rather my husband took you to the doctor? You don’t look very well.
• He would rather you didn’t mention it to anyone.

How to use “would rather”

We can use “would rather” to express preference, for making choices and hypothetical situations.

• Michael would rather play tennis than basketball.
• I would rather go to the mountains than to the seaside on holiday.
• If given a choice, I’d rather live in a house with a garden than in a flat.

Do the exercise to perfect your knowledge:

How to use “would rather”

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