Word Transformations - Rather/Prefer

In Use of English Part 4, one of the common language points is that of expression of preference. I.e. talking about things you prefer or want more compared to others. Some of these structures feature 2 subjects.
Here are some of the language structures you should know:

- S + would rather + bare infinitive

- S + would rather not + bare infinitive

- S + would rather + S + past simple

- S + would rather + S + past simple negative

- S + prefer + noun + TO + noun

- S + prefer + V-ing

- S + prefer + NOT + infinitive

- S + would prefer + S + past simple

- S +would prefer + S + past simple negative

- S + would sooner + S + past simple

Would rather + bare infinitive

Expresses a preference

-Do you want to go to the pub later?

-No, I would rather go to the cinema tonight.

S + would rather not + bare infinitive

Expresses something that is NOT preferred, NOT wanted

- We'd rather not have coffee at this time of night.

S + would rather + S + past simple

This structure has TWO subjects - it expresses something that you wish another person would do.

- I'm going to clean up the kitchen.

- I would rather you cleaned up the bathroom.

S + would rather + S + past simple (-)

This structure has TWO subjects - it expresses something that you wish another person would NOT do.

- She'd rather he didn't sing in the shower. His voice is terrible.

S + prefer + noun + TO/OVER + noun

This is a comparative structure, expressing that you have a favourite. You prefer one thing over another.

- I prefer coffee to tea.

- They prefer dancing over tennis.

S + prefer + V-ing + THAN + V-ing

Comparative structure that expresses an action that you like more than another.

- We all prefer eating chocolate than eating biscuits.

S + would prefer + infinitive

Expresses preference

- I would prefer to eat at a restaurant tonight.

S + would prefer + NOT + infinitive

Expresses something that is NOT preferred.

- The cat would prefer not to go outside when it's raining.

S + would prefer that + S + verb

This structure has TWO subjects - it expresses something that you wish another person would do.

- I would prefer that you take me to the supermarket at 3pm.

- She would prefer that the dog stays inside.

S +would prefer that + S + past simple (-)

This structure has TWO subjects - it expresses something that you wish another person would NOT do.

- We'd prefer that you didn't call us after 10pm.

-He'd prefer that I didn't snore so loudly.

S + would sooner + S + past simple

Same as would rather. Expresses that we want someone else to do something.

- I'd sooner you didn't watch TV while I'm studying.

Note: use of past simple

The structures that use past simple can ALSO use the present tense.

- I'd prefer you don't speak to Susan anymore.

- I'd prefer you didn't speak to Susan anymore.

A presentation explaining the grammar to express preference. These structures are commonly used in FCE Use of English Part 4.

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