Modal: Would Rather

This grammar point is a modal. Modals are special helper verbs. They do not change like other verbs. They do not need an s for he or she. They stay the same for everyone. Would rather works with a base verb. A base verb is the simplest form. It is the verb without to. For example, use go instead of to go. It feels like a quick jump. You go from the person to the choice. It is very direct. You can also use it for other people. But today, we focus on your choices. It is like a grammar traffic light. Green means go straight to the verb. Red means stop before you use to. Yes, even native speakers mess this up sometimes. Just remember the simple jump.

1. 1Building a sentence is easy. Follow these simple steps.
2. 2Start with a person. Use I, You, He, She, We, or They.
3. 3Add the phrase would rather.
4. 4Put in a base verb. Do not use to here.
5. 5Add your first choice.
6. 6Use the word than to show the second choice.
7. 7Add your second choice.
8. 8Example: I would rather eat pizza than pasta.
9. 9You can also make it shorter. Use I'd instead of I would. This is very common in speaking. For negatives, put not after rather.
10. 10Example: I would rather not go out tonight.

Use this when you are ordering food. I'd rather have the salad. Use it when planning with friends. I'd rather see a comedy. It is great for job interviews too. I'd rather work in a team. It shows you have a clear opinion. Use it when someone gives you two options. Would you like tea or coffee? You say, I'd rather have tea. It is very polite but clear. It is better than just saying I want. It sounds more sophisticated. It is like choosing the best seat in a cinema. You are picking the best option for you.

Do not use it for general facts. Do not use it for things that are always true. The sun would rather rise in the east is wrong. The sun does not have a choice! Also, do not use it for past habits. Use used to for that. Do not use it when there is no choice. If you only have one option, just use want. It is only for when you are comparing things. It is not for things you hate. It is for things you prefer.

Many people say I'd rather to go. This is a big mistake. Never use to after rather. It is like putting salt in your coffee. It just does not belong there. Another mistake is using then instead of than. Than is for comparing things. Then is for time. Remember: A is for comparison in than. Also, do not add s to the verb. Never say He would rather eats. Keep the verb simple and clean. Think of it like a clean desk. No extra letters allowed!

People often confuse would rather with prefer. Prefer is for general likes. I prefer dogs to cats means always. I'd rather get a dog means right now. Prefer often uses the -ing form. I prefer swimming. Would rather never uses -ing. It is like choosing between a bike and a car. Both get you there. One is just for a specific trip. Prefer is your lifestyle. Would rather is your current mood.