Would rather + infinitive (own preference)
Use would rather + bare infinitive to express your own preference — what you prefer to do.
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| 'd rather + inf (positive) | I 'd rather stay in tonight than go out. |
| 'd rather not + inf (negative) | I 'd rather not go to the party. |
| Question: Would you rather + inf? | Would you rather have tea or coffee? |
| 'd rather + inf + than + inf | I 'd rather walk than take the bus. |
Bare infinitive after would rather:
After would rather (own preference), use the bare infinitive (no to): ✓ "I'd rather go." ✗ "I'd rather to go."
Would rather + subject + past simple (preference about others)
When expressing a preference about someone else's actions, use would rather + subject + past simple. The past tense has a present/future meaning.
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| 'd rather + sb + past simple | I 'd rather you didn't smoke in here. |
| 'd rather + sb + past simple | She 'd rather he came to the meeting. |
| Negative: 'd rather + sb + didn't + inf | I 'd rather they didn't find out about this. |
Past simple = present preference:
Just like "It's time + past simple", the past form here does NOT mean the past. "I'd rather you didn't smoke" = I prefer that you don't smoke NOW.
Would sooner
Would sooner means the same as would rather and follows exactly the same grammar. It is slightly more formal.
| Would rather | Would sooner |
|---|---|
| I'd rather stay home. | I'd sooner stay home. |
| I'd rather not go. | I'd sooner not go. |
| I'd rather you left. | I'd sooner you left. |
Exercises
Choose the correct form after would rather.
1. I'd rather ___ at home this evening. (own preference)
2. I'd rather you ___ the car this weekend. (preference about someone else)
3. Would you rather ___ to Paris or Rome?
4. She'd rather ___ about it in public.
5. I'd rather ___ swimming than running. (preference between two activities)