“Would rather” and “would sooner” are expressions used to indicate preferences or choices in English.
In this lesson, we will explore the usage, structure, and common scenarios for these expressions.
“Would rather”:
Usage:
“Would rather” is used to express a preference between two options.
Structure:
Subject + “would rather” + base verb + (than) + alternative option.
Examples:
I would rather stay home than go to the party.
She would rather watch a movie than read a book.
“Would sooner”:
Usage:
“Would sooner” is a less common variation of expressing a preference. It is interchangeable with “would rather.”
Structure:
Subject + “would sooner” + base verb + (than) + alternative option.
Examples:
He would sooner walk than take the bus.
They would sooner eat at a local restaurant than foreing one.
Omission of “Than”:
While “than” is often used, it can be omitted in informal situations:
Examples:
I’d rather stay home and relax.
She’d sooner go for a run.
Key differences: “Would rather” vs. “Would sooner”:
“Would sooner” is less common but can be used interchangeably with “would rather.”
Examples:
She would rather finish the project tomorrow.
She would sooner finish the project tomorrow.
Mastering the use of “would rather” and “would sooner” allows you to express preferences and choices more precisely in English. By incorporating these expressions into your conversations, you can convey your preferences and make choices with clarity. Practice using them in various contexts to strengthen your language skills. Happy learning!
