subject + would rather + base verbUse the bare verb after would rather. Do not add to.
Would Rather
B1Would rather shows preference. Use would rather + base verb, add than for a second option, and say would rather not for the negative.
What you'll learn
- Show what option you prefer in a situation.
- Use a base verb after would rather.
- Compare two options with than + base verb.
- Make negatives with would rather not.
- Ask preference questions with Would + subject + rather.
Structure
subject + would rather + verb + than + verbWith two actions, add than before the second base verb.
subject + would rather not + base verbPut not after rather, then use the base verb.
Would + subject + rather + base verb + ?Move would to the front to make the question.
Build a sentence
Subject
Verb
Iwould ratherstay home
I would rather stay home.
Use would rather + base verb.
When to use
Personal choice
Use it when one option sounds better right now. I'd rather stay home than go out.
Two options
Use it to compare two actions directly. Maria would rather cook than order takeout.
Asking preferences
Use it to ask another person to choose. Would you rather sit inside or outside?
Markers
would ratherI'd ratherhe'd rathershe'd ratherthanrather not
In contrast
vs would-like-prefer
Would rather compares preferred actions or options. Would like talks about wanting something, often a thing or a plan: I'd rather walk, but I'd like a coffee.
Common mistakes
Wrong
I'd rather to stay home tonight.
Correct
I'd rather stay home tonight.
After would rather, use the base verb without to.
Wrong
She'd rather stays here.
Correct
She'd rather stay here.
Would rather is followed by the base verb, not a changed form like stays.
Wrong
I'd rather cook order takeout.
Correct
I'd rather cook than order takeout.
When you name the second option, introduce it with than.
Wrong
I don't rather stay late.
Correct
I'd rather not stay late.
The negative pattern is would rather not + base verb, not don't rather.
Wrong
You would rather stay here?
Correct
Would you rather stay here?
Questions start with Would, then the subject follows.
Common misconceptions
❝ Because would is here, the next verb needs to. ❞
After would rather, the next verb is bare: would rather leave, would rather wait, would rather stay.
❝ Would rather only works when both options are said in the sentence. ❞
You can stop after one option if the other choice is clear: I'd rather stay home.
Skills in this rule (5)
USE_WOULD_RATHER_FOR_PREFERENCEw4Use would rather to show preference between options
Use would rather when choosing one action or situation over another. It answers the idea of what feels better or more desirable now or in a specific situation.
BASE_VERB_AFTER_WOULD_RATHERw5Use the base verb after would rather
After would rather, use the verb without to and without endings. Say would rather stay, go, leave, not would rather to stay or would rather stays.
THAN_FOR_SECOND_OPTIONw5Add than before the second option
When you compare two actions, put than before the second one: would rather stay home than go out. The second verb also stays in the base form.
NEGATIVE_WITH_RATHER_NOTw5Make the negative with would rather not + base verb
To say the speaker does not want an action, use would rather not plus the base verb. Keep not before the main verb: I'd rather not wait.
QUESTION_WITH_WOULD_SUBJECT_RATHERw4Ask questions with Would + subject + rather
Start the question with Would, then the subject, then rather and the base verb. Example: Would you rather eat here or take it home?