✅ Rules

 

When we are talking about a specific preference, both would rather and would prefer have the same meaning and are completely interchangeable.

— We had pizza last night. Tonight I would rather have Indian food. Is that okay?

— We went to the beach last weekend. I would prefer to do a trail this weekend

 if you’re interested.

 

✅ Abbreviations

 

Would rather can be abbreviated to ‘d rather. Would prefer can be abbreviated to ‘d prefer.

— I’d rather have sushi for dinner.

— I’d prefer to see a movie tonight. 

 

✅ Followed by:

 

Would rather is followed by the bare infinitive. Would prefer is followed by to + infinitive or a noun.

— I’d rather have a glass of wine.

— I’d prefer to have a glass of water.

— I’d prefer a beer.

 

✅ Subjunctive We use a past tense conjugation after would rather when we are talking about the actions of other people, even though that action may be happening in the present or future.

— I’d rather you stayed home if you’re not feeling well.

— The layover in Houston is very long. I’d rather we didn’t have to take that flight, and took an earlier one instead.

 

✅ We say: would rather . . . than | would prefer . . . rather than | would prefer . . . instead of

 — It’s so beautiful out today, I’d rather go for a walk than stay indoors all day.

— That new Greek restaurant looks great. I’d prefer to try it rather than going to Adriano’s Restaurant again.

— I’d prefer to see what’s new on Netflix instead of going to see a movie at the theatre.

 

➡ When we are talking about general preferences, both would rather and prefer have the same meaning and are completely interchangeable.

— I would rather drive than take the bus.

— I prefer driving to taking the bus.

 

➡ After would rather we use the bare infinitive (without to).

After prefer we use the gerund (the verb in the -ing form).

— I’d rather see a movie in the theatre than watch it at home.

— I prefer seeing movies in the theatre to watching them at home.

 

➡ We say: would rather . . . than . . . | prefer . . . to . . .

— I’d rather relax than go shopping.

— I prefer staying home to going out.

 

✅ Structure

 

Not comes before the verb when used with both rather and prefer.

— I would rather not take the car today.

— I would prefer not to go to another store today.

 

Questions and Answers

A: Would you rather order Italian or Japanese food?

 

B: I would rather get Italian tonight.

A: Would you prefer to do the dishes or fold the laundry?

B: I would prefer to do the dishes.

 

Let’s practice! Write in the comments section sentences with ‘I’d rather’, ‘I’d prefer’ or ‘I prefer.

 

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