RATHER (1)

Good morning. Today we are going to answer this request from one of our Daily Vitamin readers, Lluís S.: "Could you please tell us the meaning and use of the word rather" There are two main uses of rather. In today's Vitamin we will examine the first meaning and tomorrow we will look at a second meaning. Use 1: to indicate what you would prefer to do in a particular situation. Form: would* rather infinitive verb (without to) = would prefer to do would* rather not infinitive verb (without to) = would prefer not to do *The contraction of would ('d) is also common --> would rather = 'd rather Example 1: Corrie: Do you want to go and see the new Spielberg adventure? Brenda:I would rather (I'd rather) see something more romantic. (= I would prefer to see a more romantic film.) Example 2: Mr. Hays: I'd rather not go to tomorrow's lunch meeting. I'm quite busy. (= I would prefer not to go to the meeting.) Ms. Johnson: That's alright. It's not very important. Example 3: Greg: Would you rather have toast or cereal for breakfast? Jenny: Both! I'm really hungry this morning. Tomorrow we will look at the other common use of rather. If you have any questions about today's Daily Vitamin, please don't hesitate to contact us. Or perhaps you'd rather wait to see tomorrow's Daily Vitamin before you ask questions. Enjoy your day.