Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

Reduced responses

Would rather not

is frequently used in reduced responses:

A: Do you want to go with Charlie?

B: I’d rather not, if you don’t mind.

With much

Would rather

may be intensified with much:

I

’d much rather be at home than here.

Declining requests

Would rather not

or would rather + a negative reduced finite clause are often used

to decline invitations or requests:

A: Will you have another cup of coffee?

B: I’d rather not, if you don’t mind. It keeps me awake.

A: Would it be okay if he left his things here?

B: Well I’d rather he didn’t. Er, there’s not much room.

Would sooner and would just as soon

403g

A less frequent alternative form of would rather is would sooner:

I don’t really want to spend my holidays with the family. I

’d sooner be with

friends.

An even less frequent alternative form is would just as soon:

If it’s okay with you, Lee, I

’d just as soon leave now. I’m not very hungry any

more.