Module 4: Mastering Modal Verbs - Lesson 4.13: Modal Verb of Preference: WOULD RATHER / WOULD PREFER

Lesson 4.13: Modal Verb of Preference - WOULD RATHER / WOULD PREFER

In this lesson, we will explore modal verb phrases used to express preference in English: WOULD RATHER and WOULD PREFER. These phrases allow you to indicate what you prefer to do or have in different situations. They are essential for expressing personal choices, likes, and dislikes, and for making polite offers and requests related to preferences.

WOULD RATHER and WOULD PREFER - Expressing Preference

Both WOULD RATHER and WOULD PREFER are used to express preference, but they have slightly different grammatical structures and nuances:

WOULD RATHER: Used to express a general preference between two or more options, or a preference for a specific action. Often followed by the base form of the verb. Can also be used to express preference about someone else's actions using "would rather + subject + past simple".
WOULD PREFER: Used to express a more direct and often stronger preference, and can be followed by a noun or an infinitive ("to + base verb"). Also used to express preference for one thing *over* another using "would prefer A to B".

Both are polite ways to express what you like more or what you choose in a given situation.

WOULD RATHER - Expressing General Preference

WOULD RATHER (often contracted to 'D RATHER) is used to express a general preference, often between two options or for a specific action in general. It emphasizes choosing one option over another or simply stating a preferred action.

Key Uses of WOULD RATHER (Preference):

Expressing General Preference for an Action: To state that you prefer to do one thing compared to another (often implied or understood from context).
Preference Between Two Options (Often Implied): While it can state preference between options directly, often the "other option" is implied or understood in the situation.
Expressing Preference for Someone Else's Action (WOULD RATHER + SUBJECT + PAST SIMPLE): To express a preference about what you would like *someone else* to do (or not do). This uses a specific grammatical structure.

Forming Sentences with WOULD RATHER (Preference):

The structure is:

Preference for own action: Subject + would rather / 'd rather + Base Verb (e.g., I would rather stay in tonight)
Preference for own action (Negative): Subject + would rather / 'd rather + not + Base Verb (e.g., I would rather not go out)
Preference for someone else's action: Subject + would rather / 'd rather + Subject + Past Simple Verb (e.g., I would rather you didn't tell anyone)

Examples of WOULD RATHER (Preference) in Use:

Expressing General Preference for an Action:
- "I would rather stay in tonight than go to the party." / "I'd rather stay in tonight." (Preference for staying in - implied alternative is going out)
- "She would rather drink tea than coffee." / "She'd rather drink tea." (Preference for tea over coffee - implied alternative)
- "We would rather walk than take the bus." / "We'd rather walk." (Preference for walking - implied alternative is taking the bus)
- "They would rather eat at home." / "They'd rather eat at home." (Preference for eating at home - implied alternative is eating out)
- "I would rather not say." / "I'd rather not say." (Preference against speaking - expressing reluctance)
Preference Between Two Options (Explicitly Stated with "than"): (Often, "than" is used to explicitly state the option being *less* preferred.)
- "I would rather have tea than coffee."
- "She'd rather read a book than watch TV."
- "They would rather live in the countryside than in a big city."
- "He'd rather work from home than commute to the office."
Expressing Preference for Someone Else's Action (WOULD RATHER + SUBJECT + PAST SIMPLE):
- "I would rather you didn't tell anyone about this." / "I'd rather you didn't tell anyone..." (Preference about someone else's action - keeping something secret) - Note the use of "didn't tell" - past simple for hypothetical preference about present/future action.
- "She would rather he came on time." / "She'd rather he came on time." (Preference about someone else's action - punctuality) - Use of "came" - past simple.
- "We would rather they helped us with the project." / "We'd rather they helped us..." (Preference about someone else's action - assistance) - Use of "helped" - past simple.
- "I would rather you didn't use my laptop without asking." / "I'd rather you didn't use..." (Preference about someone else's action - requesting consideration) - Use of "didn't use" - past simple.

Negative and Question Forms of WOULD RATHER (Preference):

For negative and question forms with "would rather":

Negative (Preference *not* to do something): Subject + would rather not / 'd rather not + Base Verb (e.g., I would rather not go, She 'd rather not eat) - "Would rather not" expresses a preference against doing something.
Question (Asking about Preference - Less Common with "Would Rather" about *own* preference): Questions with "Would rather" to ask about *your own* preference are less frequent. It's more common to use "Would you prefer...?" for asking about preference. However, you can use "Would you rather...?" to offer a choice between two options to *someone else*.

Examples of Negative and Question Forms of WOULD RATHER (Preference - and alternatives):

Negative Preference (using WOULD RATHER NOT / 'D RATHER NOT): "I would rather not work late tonight." / "I 'd rather not work late tonight." (Expressing a preference against working late)
"She would rather not eat meat." / "She 'd rather not eat meat." (Expressing a dietary preference against meat)
"They would rather not discuss it now." / "They 'd rather not discuss it now." (Expressing a preference against current discussion)
Question (Offering a Choice to *someone else* using WOULD YOU RATHER): "Would you rather have tea or coffee?" (Offering a choice between two drinks) - Common question form.
"Would you rather go to the cinema or the theatre?" (Offering a choice between two activities) - Common question