would rather
would rather means “would rather + base verb: what you prefer to do”. Would rather says which action you prefer: I would rather stay home. Formation: would rather + base verb (than ...) · would rather not + base verb
would rather + base verb: what you prefer to do
A2Formation
would rather + base verb (than ...) · would rather not + base verb
Explanation
Would rather says which action you prefer: I would rather stay home. The verb after it is the base form, without to: would rather go (not 'to go'). To compare two actions, add than: I'd rather walk than take the bus. In speech it is usually shortened to 'd rather. The negative is would rather not: I'd rather not talk about it.
Examples
Note
Don't add to: I'd rather to go ✗. Would prefer means almost the same but takes to: I'd prefer to stay.
FAQ
would rather — what does it mean and how is it used?
would rather + base verb: what you prefer to do. Would rather says which action you prefer: I would rather stay home. The verb after it is the base form, without to: would rather go (not 'to go'). To compare two actions, add than: I'd rather walk than take the bus. In speech it is usually shortened to 'd rather. The negative is would rather not: I'd rather not talk about it.
would rather — how do you form it?
would rather + base verb (than ...) · would rather not + base verb
would rather — any usage notes?
Don't add to: I'd rather to go ✗. Would prefer means almost the same but takes to: I'd prefer to stay.