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[hela]

Dear teachers,

What are the different uses of "would rather" ?

1) Would rather to express a regret in the past:

a) would rather + perfect infinitive ?: if there is only a subject.

e.g. We went by sea but I�d rather have gone or had gone by air.
(I wanted to go by air, but didn�t get my wish)

b) if there is 1 subject + 1 object : it doesn�t change ?

e.g. I would rather you have gone or had gone by air (?)

2) What's the difference between:

a) I would rather Go home. (bare inifinitive)
b) I would rather HAVE GONE home. (perfect infinitive)
c) I would rather HAD GONE home. (past perfect ?)

Sorry but I'm getting confused...

Would you have other examples ?

Many thanks,
Hela

[bud]

Hi Hela,

How are you?

Since nobody who knows grammar has answered this, I will give you the few thoughts I have.

1. In the present, "would rather" states a preference. "He'd rather have pizza for dinner."

2a. This is stating a preference in the present.

b. It might be that the perfect infinitive is forced because of using the modal, but I'm guessing. I don't see any difference between this sentence and the simple past "I preferred to go home."

c. I can't decide if this sounds correct or incorrect. If it is correct, the difference is probably the timing of events. (B) is stating a desire in the past which occurs at the same time as the overall context. (Last night we had dinner at Vespa's. Anne insisted we stay for dessert, so we did. I would rather have gone home.) --- If (c) is correct, it is probably stating a desire to have gone home previous to the overall context. (The late-night meeting droned on and on and was utterly useless. I would rather had gone home at 5:00.)

Hope that helps.

[hela]

Thanks Bud,

If ever you come across examples like these in specific contexts, would you please let me know ?

See you,
Hela

[bud]

Sure.

[hela]

Thanks.