would rather

搭配模式: SLOT · would · rather · SLOT

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.

• 🇨🇳情态短语，表示宁愿、更愿意选择某一动作、情况或结果而非另一个。可用于自己或他人，也可用于假设情况。

1. General preference for oneself A2 informal

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

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

   🇨🇳个人一般偏好

2. Preference regarding another person's actions B1 formal

   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.

   • 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.

   🇨🇳对他人行为的偏好

3. Regret or hypothetical preference about the past B2 informal

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

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

   🇨🇳对过去的遗憾或假设性偏好

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).

• 🇨🇳表示宁愿、更愿意做某事或选择某事物，而非另一选项；用于礼貌地表达说话人的偏好或意愿。

1. Expressing personal preference (same subject) B1 informal

   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.

   • 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.

   🇨🇳表达个人偏好（同一主语）

2. Expressing preference about another person's action (different subjects) B2 informal

   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.

   • 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.

   🇨🇳表达对他人行为的偏好（不同主语）

3. Polite refusal or disagreement B1 formal

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

   • 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.

   🇨🇳礼貌拒绝或不同意