I'd rather
Would prefer
Literally: I would rather
Use `I'd rather` to politely state your preference or kindly say no to a suggestion.
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to express a preference between two or more options.
- Follow it with a base verb like 'stay' or 'eat'.
- Add 'not' to politely decline an invitation or suggestion.
Meaning
You use this phrase to say you want one thing more than another. It is a polite way to share your choice or preference.
Key Examples
3 of 6Choosing a restaurant
I'd rather eat Italian food tonight.
I would prefer to eat Italian food tonight.
Declining a party invitation
Thanks for the invite, but I'd rather stay in tonight.
Thanks for the invite, but I would prefer to stay home tonight.
In a professional meeting
I'd rather discuss the budget in our next meeting.
I would prefer to discuss the budget in our next meeting.
Cultural Background
This phrase is the foundation of the popular 'Would You Rather' party game, which has been a staple of Western social gatherings for decades. It reflects the cultural importance of personal choice and the polite negotiation of social plans. In British English, it is often used as a 'polite refusal' to avoid direct confrontation.
The 'To' Trap
Never use 'to' after 'rather'. It is a very common mistake. Say 'I'd rather sleep,' not 'I'd rather to sleep.'
The Game of Choices
If someone asks 'Would you rather...?', they are likely starting a fun hypothetical game. Be prepared for weird questions!
In 15 Seconds
- Use it to express a preference between two or more options.
- Follow it with a base verb like 'stay' or 'eat'.
- Add 'not' to politely decline an invitation or suggestion.
What It Means
I'd rather is the short version of I would rather. It is your best friend for making choices. It tells people what you want without being bossy. It sounds softer than saying I want. Use it to pick between two options. It shows you have a clear favorite.
How To Use It
Put a base verb right after it. Do not use to with the verb. Say I'd rather go, not I'd rather to go. If you have two choices, use than. For example: I'd rather stay home than go out. To say no, just add not. Say I'd rather not when you want to decline an invitation politely.
When To Use It
Use it when someone asks for your opinion. It is perfect for dinner plans or movie nights. Use it at work to suggest a better time for a meeting. It works well when you want to be honest but kind. It is great for setting boundaries with friends. Use it when you feel like staying in your pajamas instead of hiking.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it for things you must do. If your boss gives an order, don't say I'd rather not. That might get you in trouble! Avoid it in very legal or stiff documents. It is a spoken phrase, not a contract word. Don't use it if you don't actually have a choice. It sounds sarcastic if used for things like paying taxes.
Cultural Background
English speakers value being polite and indirect. Saying I don't want that can sound a bit rude. I'd rather creates a soft cushion for your opinion. It suggests you are open to discussion. In the UK and US, it shows you are a person with specific tastes. It is a very common way to navigate social harmony.
Common Variations
I would rather is the full, formal version. Use it for emphasis. I'd sooner is a British variation that sounds a bit more old-fashioned. I'd just as soon is another way to say you don't mind either way. You can also ask others: Would you rather? This is a famous party game in English-speaking countries!
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and works in almost any situation. Just remember to use the base verb (no 'to', no '-ing') to keep your English sounding natural.
The 'To' Trap
Never use 'to' after 'rather'. It is a very common mistake. Say 'I'd rather sleep,' not 'I'd rather to sleep.'
The Game of Choices
If someone asks 'Would you rather...?', they are likely starting a fun hypothetical game. Be prepared for weird questions!
Short and Sweet
You can just say 'I'd rather not' as a complete sentence if you want to be polite but firm.
Examples
6I'd rather eat Italian food tonight.
I would prefer to eat Italian food tonight.
Expressing a simple preference for dinner.
Thanks for the invite, but I'd rather stay in tonight.
Thanks for the invite, but I would prefer to stay home tonight.
A polite way to say no without being rude.
I'd rather discuss the budget in our next meeting.
I would prefer to discuss the budget in our next meeting.
Suggesting a change in the agenda professionally.
I'd rather watch a comedy than a horror movie lol.
I would prefer to watch a comedy instead of a horror movie.
Using 'than' to compare two choices.
I'd rather wrestle a bear than do my laundry.
I would prefer to fight a bear than wash my clothes.
Using hyperbole to show how much you hate a chore.
I'd rather be alone right now, if that's okay.
I would prefer to be by myself at this moment.
Setting a personal boundary during an emotional time.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct verb form to complete the sentence.
I'd rather ___ coffee than tea.
After 'I'd rather', we always use the base verb without 'to'.
How do you make this phrase negative?
I'd rather ___ go to the mall today.
We add 'not' directly after 'rather' to express a negative preference.
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Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Preferences
Used with friends
I'd rather not.
Standard daily use
I'd rather go by train.
Professional setting
I would rather postpone the call.
Where to use 'I'd rather'
Ordering Food
I'd rather have the salad.
Declining Plans
I'd rather stay home.
Work Tasks
I'd rather finish this tomorrow.
Comparing
I'd rather walk than drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'I prefer' is for general likes, while 'I'd rather' is for a specific choice right now. You can say I prefer tea, but in a cafe, you say I'd rather have tea today.
Yes, but it changes to I'd rather have plus a past participle. For example: I'd rather have stayed home yesterday.
Yes, it is neutral and polite. You might say, I'd rather work in a team than alone to show your work style.
The 'd' is a contraction of would. So I'd rather is the same as I would rather.
Use the word than. For example: I'd rather walk than run.
Yes, but the grammar changes. You say I'd rather you didn't (using the past tense) to tell someone else what you want them to do.
No, it is actually considered very polite. It is much softer than saying No or I don't want to.
No, don't combine them. Say I'd rather go or I'd like to go, but never I'd rather like to go.
Yes, I'd sooner is a synonym, mostly used in British English, but I'd rather is much more common worldwide.
Using the '-ing' form of a verb. Never say I'd rather going; always use the base form I'd rather go.
Related Phrases
I'd prefer to
A slightly more formal way to express a choice.
I'm leaning towards
Expressing a developing preference or undecided choice.
If it were up to me
Used to give an opinion when you aren't the final decision-maker.
I'd just as soon
Used to say you are happy with either choice, or prefer one slightly.
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