Would rather / Would sooner

B2 Upper Intermediate

These structures express preference between two alternatives or indicate a choice in a specific situation. They function similarly to 'would prefer' but follow different grammatical patterns depending on whether the subject changes.

Overview

Would rather and would sooner are used to show preference. While 'would rather' is more common in both spoken and written English, 'would sooner' is a synonymous alternative often used to add emphasis or variety. Both are followed by the bare infinitive when the subject of the preference is the same as the subject of the verb.

Form

Subject + would rather/sooner (+ not) + bare infinitive

When the subject remains the same, use the bare infinitive. When the subject changes (expressing what you want someone else to do), use the past simple for present/future meaning or the past perfect for past regrets.

Same Subject vs. Different Subject

Structure	Example	Meaning
Same Subject	I'd rather stay home.	I prefer to stay home myself.
Different Subject	I'd rather you stayed home.	I want you to stay home (present/future).
Past Preference	I'd rather you hadn't told him.	I wish you had not told him (past).

Examples

Common mistakes

I'd rather to eat at home.
I'd rather eat at home.
Do not use 'to' with would rather; it requires the bare infinitive.
I'd rather you don't smoke here.
I'd rather you didn't smoke here.
When the subject changes, use the past simple to refer to the present or future.

Practice

Complete the sentence: 'I'd rather ______ (walk) than take the crowded bus.'
Show answer
walk
Answer:walk
Why:When the subject is the same, 'would rather' is followed by the bare infinitive without 'to'.
Change the preference to a different subject: 'I'd rather not go to the party.' -> 'I'd rather you ______ (not go) to the party.'
Show answer
didn't go
Answer:didn't go
Why:When expressing a preference about another person's actions in the present or future, the past simple is required.
Select the correct form: 'I would sooner ______ (have known) the truth yesterday.'
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have known
Answer:have known
Why:To express a preference about a past action where the subject is the same, use the perfect infinitive (have + past participle).