1. Would rather/would sooner
Expressing Preference

2. Would rather - Test
We use “would rather” to express preference. Complete the sentences below using the verb in brackets:
Present preferences:
I would rather ________ ____the new Marvel film. (see)
I’d rather you _____________ in the house. (smoke)
Past preferences/regrets
The film was ok, but I’d rather _______________ the new Bond film. (see)
I’d rather he ___________________ his new girlfriend to the party. Sarah was really upset. (bring)
see
didn’t smoke
have seen
hadn’t brought
Present
Same subject: would rather +
Subject changes: would rather + new subject +
Past
Subject changes: would rather + new subject +
Base form (see/go/etc.)
Past simple (went/didn’t go)
Perfect infinitive (have gone/have seen)
Past perfect (had made/hadn’t said)

3. Would sooner/would just as soon
“Would sooner” and “would just as soon” can be used in exactly the same way as “would rather” and follow the same rules:
Present
I would just as soon __________ in tonight and watch TV. (stay)
I would sooner you ______________ the guitar after 11pm. (not play)
Past
I’m not really into surfing so I didn’t enjoy it. I would sooner ______________ scuba-diving instead. (try)
I don’t think he liked the surprise party. He would sooner we
______________ something quieter. (organise)
stay
didn’t play
have tried
had organised
Complete the exercises on the handout to practise.