would rather

• La locution modale 'would rather' exprime une préférence pour une action, une situation ou un résultat par rapport à un autre. Elle peut concerner soi-même ou autrui, la structure variant selon qu'il s'agit d'une préférence générale, d'une préférence concernant une autre personne ou d'une situation hypothétique.

The modal phrase 'would rather' is used to express a preference for one action, situation, or outcome over another. It can be applied to oneself or to others, and its structure changes depending on whether the preference is general, specific to another person, or hypothetical.

StructuresSLOT · would · rather · SLOT

1. General preference for oneselfA2informal

   Used with a bare infinitive to state what the subject prefers to do or have in general or in a specific situation.

   préférerait / aimerait mieux

   • I would rather stay at home tonight.
   • He would rather eat pizza than sushi.
   • They said they would rather walk.

2. Preference regarding another person's actionsB1formal

   Expresses what the subject wants someone else to do, using a different subject and a past tense verb, even if the meaning refers to the present or future.

   préférence concernant les actions d'autrui

   • I would rather you came with us.
   • The manager would rather the staff arrived on time.
   • She would rather he didn't mention it again.

3. Regret or hypothetical preference about the pastB2informal

   Indicates a different outcome the subject would have preferred in a past situation, using the past perfect tense.

   préférence hypothétique passée

   • I would rather have taken that job offer.
   • We would rather not have known the truth.
   • She would rather he had told her earlier.

• Exprimer une préférence pour une action ou une option par rapport à une autre ; utilisé pour indiquer poliment ce que le locuteur aimerait faire ou avoir.

A modal phrase used to express a preference for one action or option over another. Functions as a more concise, conversational alternative to 'would prefer'. Can be used with the same subject (followed by bare infinitive) or different subjects (followed by past simple for hypothetical meaning).

1. Expressing personal preference (same subject)B1informal

   Used when the speaker states their own preference between two or more actions or options. Followed by the bare infinitive (verb without 'to'). Common in present and future contexts.

   préférerait

   • I'd rather have a beer.
   • I'd rather stay at home tonight.
   • She would rather drink tea than coffee.
   • We'd rather not talk about it.
   • I'd rather walk than take a taxi.

2. Expressing preference about another person's action (different subjects)B2informal

   Used when the speaker expresses a preference regarding what someone else should do. The subordinate clause uses past simple tense to convey hypothetical or desired meaning, though referring to present or future.

   préférer que (avec subjonctif ou indicatif)

   • I'd rather you didn't tell anyone.
   • She'd rather he arrived on time.
   • We'd rather they stayed late to finish the project.
   • I'd rather you called me before coming.
   • He'd rather you didn't smoke here.

3. Polite refusal or disagreementB1formal

   Used with 'not' to politely decline an invitation, suggestion, or topic. Softens refusal while maintaining clarity of preference.

   Refus poli

   • I'd rather not discuss that right now.
   • Sorry, I'd rather not talk about it.
   • Wouldn't you rather finish it tomorrow?
   • I'd rather not have any mushrooms, thanks.
   • Don't hesitate to say no if you'd rather not.