Would Rather

                       Preference – Would Rather

   Remember that the phrase “would rather” is similar to a modal. Although would rather  

   appears to be a past, it expresses preference in present and future time. Avoid using an  

   infinitive or an –ing form instead of a verb word.

   Examples:

         1. Incorrect: She told me that she would rather not to serve on the committee.

      correct: She told me that she would rather not serve on the committee.

         2.  Incorrect: If you don’t mind, I would rather not going.

       correct: If you don’t mind, I would rather not go. 

         3.  Incorrect: He said that he would rather went to a small college instead of to a large 

                               university.

       Correct: He said that he would rather go to a small college instead of to a large university.

         4.  Incorrect: I would rather writing this than print it because I don’t print well.

       correct: I would rather write this than print it because I don’t print well.

         5.  Incorrect: Greg would rather has a Pepsi than a beer.

       Correct: Greg would rather have a Pepsi than a beer.

         6.  Incorrect: Rhododendrons would rather growing in shady places, and so would azaleas.

       Correct: Rhododendrons would rather grow in shady places, and so would azaleas.

         7.  Incorrect: The Amish people, descended from the Germans and Swiss, would rather using 

                              horses than machines for transportation and farm work because they believe 

                              that a simple life keeps them closer to God.

       Correct: The Amish people, descended from the Germans and Swiss, would rather use 

                       horses than machines for transportation and farm work because they believe that 

                       a simple life keeps them closer to God.