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B1 · Intermediate15 min

Would rather / would sooner

Syllabus topic 12: Would rather / would sooner

Would rather / would sooner. Would rather/sooner + bare infinitive expresses preference.

How it works

Would rather/sooner + bare infinitive expresses preference. Use not before the bare infinitive for a negative preference. With a different subject, use a past form for a present/future preference: I'd rather you stayed. Compare prefer to do.

Examples in context

Notice how each form fits its sentence. Read the context before choosing a form.

  • I'd rather stay here.
  • I'd sooner walk than wait.
  • I'd rather you came tomorrow.
  • We'd rather not discuss it now.
  • She would prefer to sit outside.

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I'd rather ___ here.

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