“I’d rather” is a common phrase used to express a preference for one option over another. It is often used to politely decline an offer or suggestion, or to make a suggestion of one’s own.
I’d rather + (verb)
The structure of “I’d rather” is “I would rather” + (verb). Here, the verb can be in the base form (infinitive) or in the past participle form.
Examples:
- I’d rather stay home tonight than go out. (base form)
- I’d rather have stayed home last night. (past participle form)
Below is a table with headings to further explain the usage of “I’d rather” with examples:
| Heading | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | “I would rather” + (verb) | I’d rather eat pizza than sushi. |
| Preferences | Expressing a preference for one option over another | I’d rather go to the beach than the mountains. |
| Polite Refusal | Politely declining an offer or suggestion | Thank you for the invitation, but I’d rather not go. |
| Suggestion | Making a suggestion of one’s own | I’d rather we take the train instead of driving. |
Additional Examples:
- I’d rather sleep in on weekends than wake up early.
- He’d rather listen to classical music than pop music.
- We’d rather have gone to the concert instead of the movie.
- She’d rather eat vegetables than meat.
- They’d rather go for a hike than go shopping.