FluencyLab
GrammarHub
Express preferences about actions using would rather/would sooner + base verb, and preferences about another person's action with a past form.
Overview
Express preferences about actions using would rather/would sooner + base verb, and preferences about another person's action with a past form.
Form and rules
Use would rather + base verb for your own preference: I'd rather stay home.
Would sooner has a similar meaning but is less common.
Use would rather not + base verb for a negative preference.
To compare alternatives, use would rather A than B.
For a different subject, use would rather + subject + past simple: I'd rather you came tomorrow.
A closer look
To compare alternatives, use would rather A than B.
For a different subject, use would rather + subject + past simple: I'd rather you came tomorrow.
Examples
I'd rather walk than take a taxi.
She'd rather not discuss it now.
Would you rather eat in or go out?
I'd sooner wait until tomorrow.
I'd rather you didn't tell anyone.
Common mistakes
Would rather is followed by the base verb.
Negative preference uses would rather not + base verb.
Ready to practise?
The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.