would rather

idiom

—used to indicate what one wants or prefers to do, have, etc.

She would rather drive than take the train.

I would rather you didn't tell them.

"If you'd rather, we can go outside." "No, thanks—I'd rather not."

Which beach would you rather go to?

Examples of would rather in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

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What begins as a slow prodding of assumptions ultimately ends up a full throated condemnation of systems that would rather have disabled people die than invest in the healthcare required to enhance their lives. —

Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 27 Jan. 2025 Europe would rather regulate the world from Brussels than incentivize work, saving, investment, and innovation. —

Matthew Continetti, National Review, 25 Jan. 2025 State of play: Nationwide, 48% of single American football fans would rather have their team win a title over finding true love. —

Esteban L. Hernandez, Axios, 31 Jan. 2025 The online retailer shares its sales revenue with bookstores around the US, and has become a popular destination for online customers who would rather help keep their local bookstore in business than send money to big retailers like Amazon. —

Boone Ashworth, WIRED, 28 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for would rather