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I d rather in English. Modal construction Had Better in English. Sometimes had is omitted in colloquial speech: e.g. I better try again later

Do you want your speech to become more intense? Then why not pay attention to two useful constructions − had better And would rather? The main thing is to understand what difference between them, and learn how to use these expressions correctly. In this article, we'll take a look at the usage, meaning, and examples that will surely help to introduce this sweet couple into your speech.

HAD BETTER \ WOULD RATHER - difference and usage

When to use had better, and when would rather? Of course we don't understand difference without delving into the meaning and translation of these constructions.

HAD BETTER - can be compared to a modal verb should, since this phrase serves to express advice, recommendations. Most often in the Russian version, the construction sounds like this "You're better..." "He's better..." etc. That is, this is how it literally comes out in translation, if we discard "had". We draw your attention to the fact that "had" in the phrase "had better" does not change in any way and has no reference to the past tense.

WOULD RATHER - this design is also compared with something. Typically this is a verb. "prefer". It doesn't just happen. By itself "would rather" expresses preference. Most often in the context it is a question of choosing between several possible options. Let's delve into the translation of the word "rather". The dictionary will give us some very interesting values: “more willing”, “preferably”, “better”. Generally, "would rather" translate as follows: “better”, “perhaps”, “I would prefer”. And this is no longer advice, but a conscious choice of a person to do or not to do something.

Note that both expressions are used with the initial form of the verb without the particle TO.

HAD BETTER \ WOULD RATHER - difference in examples

Now it's time to look at more examples with had better And would rather so that we will never again be deceived difference between structures.

Examples with had better

	Martha doesn't look good. She'd better stay home tonight.
2) You 'd better do your homework today because we are visiting grandparents tomorrow.	You'd better do your homework today because we're visiting grandparents tomorrow.
3) She 'd better watch her children when they are playing outside.	She should look after her children when they play in the yard.
4) They 'd better study harder if they don't want to lose their reputation at school.	They should study harder if they don't want to lose their reputation in school.
5) Tom would better work more instead of borrowing money.	It's better for Tom to work harder instead of borrowing money.

Examples with would rather

1) I 'd rather phone her and ask this question myself.	I'll probably call her and ask the question myself.
2) Bob would rather get there by taxi than by bus.	Bob would rather go there by taxi than by bus.
3) We 'd rather not talk about this now.	We'd rather not talk about it now.
4) Would you rather drink juice or mineral water?	Would you prefer juice or mineral water?
5) Anna would rather cook dinner than clean the flat.	Anna would rather cook dinner than clean the apartment.

In cases where it is necessary to use negation with had better or would rather it is enough just to put a negative particle after these constructions NOT. And then just follows the semantic verb without TO.

You'd better not smoke here. You'd better not smoke here.

Surely you noticed that in our examples abbreviations were used - 'd better\'d rather. This is quite normal for colloquial speech.

If you have a question, what is the difference between a modal verb should from design had better, we would like to note that should usually expresses more general advice. Had better It also serves to express a recommendation that is related to a particular situation.

Examples:

You'd better put a raincoat on. The weather is getting worse.- You'd better (should) put on a raincoat. The weather is getting worse.

You should stay at home when it is raining.- You should stay at home when it rains.

It is believed that when using the construction, the speaker hints that something will harm the listener if he does not follow the recommendation. He will catch a cold, get some negative results or suffer in an accident. Should has a more general meaning. With the help of this modal verb, a person simply shares his opinion on what should be done. But, if the advice is not taken into account, nothing supernatural will happen.

We draw your attention to the fact that there may be more complex proposals with a design would rather. The speaker does not always talk about his preferences, but sometimes he needs to say what actions he expects from other people. In this case, after the construction and the person (the second part of the sentence) is used past simple(if the event concerns the present) or past perfect(if the event concerns the past).

Examples:

I'd rather she didn't come. I would rather she didn't come.

I'd rather they had organized a party at home. It would be better if they organized a party at home.

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There are many ways to express your preferences in English. Earlier, we talked about the verb prefer, which is translated as "prefer". Today, let's look at another, more colloquial construction - would rather.

So we use would rather when we talk about our own preferences at this particular moment. However, unlike would prefer, where it was possible to talk about the fact that, for example, we would prefer tea now, rather than coffee, would rather cannot be used with items. After with would rather always need to put an action.

I would rather this cake.
(I would have preferred this pie.)

I would rather eat this cake.
I would rather eat this pie.

Let's look at two main types of structures with would rather.

1. Talking to ourselves using would rather

We can use would rather to tell you what we prefer.

Such a phrase would be built like this: I would rather + the first form of the verb.

I would rather buy something expensive but reliable.

Compare two actions with would rather is also possible. Here we need a word than("how").

I would rather buy something expensive but reliable, than something cheap and bad quality.
I would rather buy something expensive but reliable than something cheap and of poor quality.

Would rather can also be shortened to "d rather:

I "d rather buy something expensive but reliable.
I would prefer to buy something expensive but reliable.

Finally, what about negatives? How to say that we would prefer NOT to do something now?

The construction with negation is built like this: I would rather + not + the first form of the verb.

I "d rather not talk about this right now.
I would prefer Not talk about it now.

2. Talking about someone else using would rather

Would rather allows us to communicate not only what we would prefer to do ourselves, but also about our wishes regarding the actions of other people! That is, with it, we can say something like: "I would rather you leave." I prefer "I", but leave "you" :).

Such a hidden request is constructed as follows:

Would rather + someone else + past tense verb.

Phrases with this verb are built like this: be (in the right form) + supposed + to + action.

I would rather you left now, sorry.
I'd rather you leave now, I'm sorry.

I "d rather you called me later, please.
I'd rather you call me later, please.

With be would rather is also possible:

I'd rather you were at home on time.
I'd rather you be home on time.

We'd rather he was more polite.
We would have preferred him to be more polite.

To say negation in such a construction, we do this:

I would rather + who + didn't + the first form of the verb.

I "d rather he didn't speak so loudly.
I would prefer him Not spoke so loudly.

We'd rather she didn't go out with that tom guy.
We would prefer her Not dated this guy named Tom.

Or, if there was a be in the second part:

I would rather + who + wasn't + the first form of the verb.

I "d rather we were at the theater now, not in this night club.
I'd rather we were in a theater now than in a nightclub.

3. Question with would rather

It remains to figure out how to ask a question about preferences. This is done as follows:

Would you rather ____?

Would you rather go to the cinema or watch the movie online?
Would you rather go to the cinema or watch a movie on the Internet?

4. Brief rejection

Finally, would rather can be used to briefly and politely decline in response to someone's offer: I "d rather not ("Better not", "I would not do this", "I would rather not do this."

Would you like to go with us to the concert?
Would you like to go to a concert with us?

I'd rather not, sorry. I have an exam tomorrow.
I'd rather not walk, I'm sorry. I have an exam tomorrow.

Do you want a cup of coffee?
Would you like a cup of coffee?

Thanks, but I "d rather not.
Thanks, but I would not wanted.

Here we met I would rather and looked at how they are used in different designs. Good luck and don't forget to apply what you've learned!

Reinforcement task

Translate the following sentences into English. Leave your answers in the comments below the article.

1. I would prefer that they bring breakfast to my room.
2. I would rather take a taxi than a bus.
3. I would rather not go to the gym today. I'm too tired.
4. I would prefer that he not play the piano at night.
5. Would you rather order soup or salad?
6. I would rather not leave my car here.
7. He would prefer that we did not disturb him.
8. She would prefer that we call her later.

It is not a guarantee that you will respond correctly and competently in every situation. In this foreign language, there are a lot of all kinds of constructions and expressions that simply need to be studied, if only because they are very widely used in speech, both written and oral. Then you will easily understand what exactly (specifically) the interlocutor wanted to say, what he wanted to emphasize, what shade he wanted to give to his words. Moreover, you can easily answer in the same vein, and simply express your opinion, based on such popular speech patterns in English.

Let's talk about famous expressions prefer And would rather (would sooner). Despite the fact that in meaning these constructions refer to the same topic - I want, I prefer - they have differences both in the shade they give to speech and in the use, which contains its own grammatical nuances. In order to visualize these important points, we will not mix these expressions, but consider them separately, thereby forming a clear idea of ​​​​how, where and when it is necessary usewould rather (would sooner) Andprefer.

Use prefer

We will start directly with the verb "prefer" - prefer. We use this verb with the particle infinitive to (prefer to do something) or with a gerund ( prefer doing something) . Both of these constructions are absolutely equivalent. They express the preferences of a person in general, that is, they determine what a person always likes, and not in any particular situation. It is important to capture precisely the meaning of the general, and not the particular.

I prefer to live in the country. - I prefer to live outside the city.

I prefer phoning people to writing letters. I like calling people more than writing letters to them.

I prefer to stay up late at night. – I prefer to go to bed late at night.

She prefers giving gifts rather than receiving them. She likes giving gifts more than receiving them.

To clearly remember the correct structure of the construction with the verb " prefer”, it is necessary to learn several sentences that represent the algorithm for its use. There are three such examples:

1. I prefer something to something else- I prefer something to something
2. I prefer doing something to doing something else- I prefer to do this, not this
3. I prefer to do something rather than (do) something– see option 2

I prefer meat to fish. - I like meat more than fish.

I prefer going to the theater to watching plays on television. - I prefer to go to the theater rather than watch performances on TV.

I prefer to live in the country rather than (live) in the city. I like living in the countryside more than in the city.

As opposed to using just a verb prefer, the use of the expression would prefer does not mean the preferences of the person as a whole, but his wishes and needs in a particular situation. In other words, someone wants something (do something) right now, even if in a more general sense in life he does not give preference to this. We also highlight two samples, according to which you can make all the following proposals you need:

1. Would you prefer…? - What would you like? What do you prefer? (in a certain situation).

Would you prefer tea or coffee? Coffee, please. - Will you have tea or coffee? Coffee please.

1. I would prefer to do something rather than do something else. (I would prefer one over the other).
   

   I'd prefer to read a book. - I would like to read a book.

   I'd prefer to eat at home rather than go out. I would rather eat at home than go to some establishment.

note that would in these constructions, it is almost always used in an abbreviated form - I would=I'd…

Use would rather (would sooner)

The second very useful expression is would rather- is similar to the previous one I would prefer. The semantic meaning of these three constructions ( would rather, would sooner, would prefer) is the same, but there is a very small, but quite significant nuance in the grammatical design. After would prefer we use the infinitive with the particle to (to do), and after the other two - without the particle to (do). Accordingly, a sample for memorization with usewouldrather will look like this: I'd rather do something than do something else.

Shall we go by train? well, I'd prefer to go by car. I'd rather go by car. - Shall we go by train? Well, I would go by car.

I'd rather walk in the park than go to the cinema. I would rather take a walk in the park than go to the cinema.

I'd rather wait for a few minutes. - I would wait a few minutes.

He said he would sooner stay at home. He said he would rather stay at home.

And one more rule regarding the use would rather (would sooner): when we want someone else to do something, or we are trying to say that it is preferable for another person to do something, we refer to this construction - would rather someone did something. Pay special attention to the fact that the verb in this case will be in the simple past tense, but it will be about the actions of the present or future.

I'd rather you cooked dinner now. I would like you to cook dinner now.

I'd rather you told her. “I would rather you tell her.

My mother would rather we caught the bus, rather than walk home after the party. Mom would have preferred us taking the bus home after the party rather than walking.

If you find an error, please highlight a piece of text and click Ctrl+Enter.

What to choose: had better or would rather? And what is there after the apostrophe in the abbreviated form I'd, you'd - would or had? How not to get confused? At the grammar intensive lessons via Skype, you can personally analyze all the nuances in detail with the teacher of the English Voyage school. In the meantime - a little theory with examples. Like sentences with , the phrases had better or would rather express a hypothetical meaning, that is, an assumed, unreal.

Had better (not) - better, it would be better

means the best, wiser choice, a suitable alternative in a particular situation. This modal phrase can mean urgency, advice, warning or threat.

For example:

1. Youhad better go now(it would be good, wise or suitable for you to go now).

You better go.

2. If he took your key, you'd better change the locks.

If he took your key, you better change the locks.

3. Your dog had better not dig up my rosebush!

I wish your dog didn't dig up my roses.

Had better usage

1. Synonyms had better:

— ought to do something

— should do something.

2. In negative sentences put better before not.

You had better not go now.

3. The short form ‘d’ is very common. e.g. You'd better - you HAD better.

4. The negative form hadn’t better is mainly used in questions: Hadn't we better change our clothes? "Shouldn't we change clothes?"

5. Sometimes had is omitted in colloquial speech: e.g. I better try again later.

would rather - would prefer, perhaps

expresses choice and means "would rather do something"

For example:

1. I would rather do it tomorrow.

I'll probably do it tomorrow. (I would rather do it tomorrow.)

2.I' rather stay at university than go home now - I need to finish this difficult assignment.

I would rather stay at the university than go home now - I have to finish this difficult task.

3. I'd rather have a snack. (than drink water)

I, perhaps, will have a snack (than I will drink water).

would rather use

1. would rather = prefer

2. WOULD RATHER + SUBJECT + PAST SIMPLE / CONTINUOUS - we use it if we want to someone else did something in present or future.

For example:

I'd rather you didn't go to Spain alone. You better not go to Spain alone. (I'd rather you didn't go to Spain alone.)

3. WOULD RATHER + SUBJECT + PAST PERFECT - use for expression dissatisfaction with someone did in past.

For example:

I'd rather you hadn't gone to Spain alone. You better not go to Spain alone. (I'd rather you didn't go to Spain alone.)

4. The shortened form 'd is very common. e.g. I'd rather - I WOULD rather.

Pay special attention to the fact that after the phrases had better or would rather the infinitive is used without to particles.

For example:

We' d better go. We'd better go.

I' rather stay there. I'll probably stay there.

1. Put rather or better . Translate the sentences.

1. We'd ____ stay inside until the rain stops.
2. You'd ____ leave before it gets dark.
3. I'd ____ you didn't wear jeans in the office.
4. I'd ____ stay hungry than have to eat that fish.
5. You'd ____ not phone her now. She's probably putting her baby to bed.
6. You'd ____ stay in bed today. You look pale.
7. I'd ____ send an e-mail than write a letter.
8. You'd ____ watch the steps.
9. Can I borrow your camera? – I’d ____ you didn’t.
10. He'd ____ give up smoking as soon as possible.

2. Put had better or had better not. Translate.

1. Bob is very angry with her. She____ do that again.
2. You ____ touch my laptop again.
3. We ____ study a bit harder.
4. The restaurant is always crowded. We ____ book a table in advance.
5. I have to be at the station in 15 minutes. I ____ leave right now.
6. This is her first day at work. She____ be late.
7. You____ drive carefully. You've already had some accidents this year.
8. It's going to rain. We____ take an umbrella.

3. Complete the sentences according to the model:

eg: I'll go shopping if you really want me to, but ____ . - I'll go shopping if you really want me to, but I'd rather you went. (I'll go to the store if you feel like it, but I'd like you to go.)

1. I'll spend the money if you really want me to, but I'd rather your dad ____ .
2. I'll cook roast turkey if you really want me to, but I'd rather you ____ .
3. I'll iron your shirt if you really want me to, but I'd rather Victor ____ .
4. I'll take out the garbage if you really want me to, but I'd rather Mary ____ .
5. I'll do the washing up if you really want me to, but I'd rather Tim ____ .

4. Use would rather or would rather not. Translate.

1. Kevin, let's go to New York by train. – I ____ go by car.
2. What did Mr. Jackson tell you – I ____ tell you.
3. Would you like a cup of tea? – I ____ have hot chocolate.
4. Do you feel like going out tonight? – No, I ____ stay at home.
5. I don't feel quite well this morning. I ____ go to school today.
6. I ____ die than apologize to you.

Answers:

1. better (We'd better stay inside until the rain stops.)
2. better (You'd better leave before it gets dark.)
3. rather (I wish you didn't wear jeans to the office.)
4. rather (I would rather stay hungry than eat that fish.)
5. better (You'd better not call her now. She may be putting the baby to bed.)
6. better (You'd better stay in bed tonight. You look pale.)
7. rather (I would rather send an email than write a regular one.)
8. better (Better take a closer look at the steps.)
9. rather (Can I borrow your camera? - Better not.)
10. better (He'd better quit smoking as soon as possible.)

1. had better not (Bob is very angry with her. She better not do this again.)
2. had better not (It's better if you don't touch my laptop anymore.)
3. had better (It's better for us to do more.)
4. had better (The restaurant is always full of people. We better book a table in advance.)
5. had better
6. had better not (This is her first day at work. She shouldn't be late.)
7. had better (You'd better drive carefully. You already had a few accidents this year.)
8. had better (It's going to rain. We'd better take an umbrella.)

1. ... but I'd rather your dad spent it. (I will spend the money if you so desire, but I would like your father to spend it.)
2. ...but I'd rather you cooked it. (I'll make roast turkey if you so desire, but I'd like you to cook it.)
3. ... but I'd rather Victor ironed it. (I'll iron the shirt if you so desire, but I'd like Victor to iron it.)
4. ... but I'd rather Mary took it out. (I'll take out the trash if you feel like it, but I'd like Mary to take it out.)
5. ... but I'd rather Tim did it. (I'll wash the dishes if you so desire, but I'd like Tim to do the washing.)

1. would rather (Kevin, let's go to New York by train. - I would rather go by car.)
2. would rather not (What did Mr. Jackson say to you? - I would rather not say that.)
3. would rather (Do you want a cup of tea? - I would prefer hot chocolate.)
4. would rather (Do you want to go somewhere tonight? - No, I would rather stay at home.)
5. would rather not (I don't feel well this morning. I'd rather not go to school today.)
6. would rather (I'd rather die than apologize to you.)