would
would rather意思是“宁愿、宁可、更、最好、还是为好”,后接动词原形,常省略为’d rather,表示优先选择的一种方式 其否定形式是would rather not do sth。would rather没有人称和数的变化,所有的人称一律用would rather。
would rather+动词原形”是英语中常见的一个惯用句式,美国英语中多用had rather。would (had)在此决无“过去”之意,它是一个情态助动词,且无词性、时态变化。
例 Mr Li would rather not listen to rock music. 李先生不愿意听摇滚音乐。
If you’d rather be alone, we’ll all leave here. 如果你宁愿独自呆着,那我们都离开这儿。
He’d rather work in the countryside. 她宁可到农村去工作。
would rather+从句,是一个常用的虚拟语气句型 Would rather+从句,谓语一般用过去时来表示现在或将来。其意为“宁愿……,还是…… 好些”“一个人宁愿另一个人做某事”。引导从句的that常省略。在谈到过去的动作时,谓语则用过去完成时。
例 John wants to see me today. I would rather he came to tomorrow than today. 约翰今天想去看我。