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“I’d rather (do something).” = “I would rather (do something).” is another way of saying “I would prefer to (do something).”

Pattern:  I’d rather + V (inf.) … // I would rather + V (inf.) …

I’d rather read a book.
I would rather travel by car.
I’d rather stay indoors.

Negative:  I’d rather not + V (inf.)… // I would rather not + V (inf.)…

I’d rather not say who gave me the money.
We would rather not go on vacation in June.
I’d rather not eat turkey for Christmas dinner.

Questions:  Would you rather + V (inf.)….?

Would you rather sit outside?  It’s such a lovely day.
Would you rather go out to eat tonight?
Would you rather take a hot bath?

Note:  “I’d rather …” does NOT use the infinitive marker:

I’d rather go for a walk.  (NOT I’d rather to go for a walk.)
I would rather listen to some music.  (NOT I would rather to listen to some music.)
I’d rather not have an orange.  (NOT I’d rather not to have an orange.)

But, if we use “prefer,” the infinitive marker IS necessary:

I’d prefer to go for a walk.
I would prefer to listen to some music.
I would prefer not to have an orange.

“rather” is often used in comparisons.

Pattern:  I’d rather A than B. // I would rather A than B.

I’d rather eat chicken than beef.
John would rather play cards than watch TV.
I’d rather take a taxi than ride the train to the airport.

Exercises:  Choose the right word to complete the sentence.  You might have to use the infinitive marker “to.”

Example:

drink like

Would you _______ some coffee, or do you prefer _______ tea? ==> Would you like some coffee, or do you prefer to drink tea?

dry
eat
eat
go
have
have
see
sit
start
take
wash
watch

1.    Max would rather _______ university next fall.
2.    Sally would prefer _______ an evening class, if possible.
3.    I’d rather _______ paint dry than _______ that new movie – I heard it’s really boring.
4.    Would you prefer _______ chocolate ice cream or vanilla?
5.    I’d rather _______ the dishes than _______ them.
6.    Would you rather _______ Chinese food, or Italian?
7.    I’d prefer _______ Italian food.
8.    That model car comes in several colors – which one would you rather _______?
9.    I’d prefer _______ alone, thank you.
10.    They would rather _______ to Niagara Falls on their honeymoon.

Exercises:  Choose the right word to complete the sentence.  Make the sentence negative.  You might have to use the infinitive marker “to.”

Example:

go

I’d rather _______ to the wedding. ==> I’d rather not go to the wedding.

call
invite
lie
live
meet
sleep
sleep
spend
use
work

1.    I’d prefer _______ on weekends.
2.    I would rather _______ in the same room as Uncle Tim – he snores!
3.    I would rather _______ any more money than I have to.
4.    Tom would rather _______ next to the Martins.
5.    I’d prefer _______ rye bread for my sandwich.
6.    I’d rather _______ down in the sun.
7.    I’d rather _______ Jack for lunch.
8.    I’d prefer _______ Mary and ask her for a date.
9.    I’d rather _______ Sam to the party.
10.    We’d prefer _______ in a hotel room that is right next to the expressway.

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