Title: Word Focus: “Rather”.
Duration: 6–8 minutes
Level: Upper Intermediate +
Language Focus:
Objective: Different uses of “Rather”.
In English we use the word “Rather” to express preference. Let’s take a look at some of the different ways we can use this word.
Rather than
Means “instead of” or “and not”. We use it to compare parallel structures.
“John is an amateur dancer rather than a professional one”.
“Rather than go out tonight, I decided to stay at home”.
Would rather… than
Means “would prefer to…”. We use it to show preference between two options.
“John would rather dance on a stage than in a club”.
“I would rather be happy than rich”.
Structure: SUBJECT + WOULD RATHER + INFINITIVE (without “to”) + OPTION 1 + THAN + OPTION 2
Would rather (alone)
Means “would prefer”. We use this to show preference for one option over another.
“John should practice more, but he would rather stay at home”.
“When I am with you there’s nowhere I’d rather be”.
Structure: SUBJECT + WOULD RATHER + INFINITIVE (without “to”) + OPTION
Some other uses for “rather”:
We can use or rather to change what has just been said:
“John still dances very well though, or rather, he likes to think that he does”.
Rather is also an adverb of degree. It means “quite”:
“That’s rather interesting isn’t it!”
Keep learning with American Language Academy in one of the best English Schools in Madrid!!!
