“Would rather” and “would sooner,” followed by an infinitive, express clear preferences. Combine with “than” to compare options or “or” to list alternatives.
- I’d rather/sooner have tea, please.
- I’d rather/sooner have tea than coffee.
- Would you rather/sooner have tea or coffee?
Different Subject + Past Simple
When using “would rather/sooner” followed by another person/thing, the verb tense should shift to past simple to express a present or future preference about their action.
- We’d rather/sooner she was/were with us now.
- She’d rather/sooner I picked her up after lunch.
- Would you rather/sooner we went by bus or by train?
Different Subject + Past Perfect
When using “would rather/sooner” followed by another person/thing, the verb tense should shift to past perfect to express a past preference about their action.
- I’d rather/sooner you hadn’t spoken to her like that.
- I’d rather/sooner you had called me before.
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