FluencyLab
GrammarHub
Use would rather + base verb and would prefer + to-infinitive, and use a past form after would rather when the preferred action has a different subject.
Overview
Use would rather + base verb and would prefer + to-infinitive, and use a past form after would rather when the preferred action has a different subject.
Form and rules
Would rather + base verb: I'd rather stay home.
Would prefer + to-infinitive: I'd prefer to stay home.
Use would rather A than B; with prefer, use prefer A to B or would prefer to A rather than B.
For another person's present/future action, use would rather + subject + past simple: I'd rather you came later.
Negative preference: would rather not + base verb / would prefer not to + infinitive.
A closer look
For another person's present/future action, use would rather + subject + past simple: I'd rather you came later.
Negative preference: would rather not + base verb / would prefer not to + infinitive.
Examples
I'd rather wait until tomorrow.
I'd prefer to discuss it privately.
She'd rather walk than drive.
I'd rather you didn't mention it.
We'd prefer not to change the schedule.
Common mistakes
Would rather is followed by the base verb.
Would prefer is followed by a to-infinitive.
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.