I'd rather that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I'd rather that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a preference for one situation or outcome over another. Example: "I'd rather that you come to the meeting prepared with your ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"I'd rather that wasn't in the press".

The Guardian - Music

I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with that — I'd rather that pollsters give the most honest snapshot of what they were finding in the field on the day that they conducted their interviews.

The New York Times

By the time I'm 70 it's more likely I'll be looked after by an organisation like Turning Point than social services, and I'd rather that happened as a result of a thought - through vision than by accident".

The Guardian

I'd rather that than somebody trying to pretend that they really like whatever just won the Mercury Music prize, and has been picked out for them by somebody in their office.

The Guardian - Opinion

Diamond: Well, I'd rather, that might be the right initiative.

Forbes

Yeah, I'd rather that not be something I'm known for.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

I would rather that it wasn't personal".

The New York Times

And I would rather that question had been answered differently on Tuesday night.

The New York Times

I would rather that his head remain unfractured, even if that means his psyche remains unchallenged.

The New York Times - Magazine

If you ask me, I would rather that Saddam not win.

The New York Times

I would rather that our government err on the side of caution this time.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I'd rather that" in formal writing, consider replacing it with the more formal alternative "I would prefer that" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase with incorrect verb tenses in the 'that' clause. Ensure the verb tense in the clause following 'that' is appropriate for the intended meaning. For example, use the past subjunctive (e.g., 'were') to express hypothetical situations: 'I'd rather that he were here'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'd rather that" functions as a conditional expression introducing a subordinate clause that expresses a preference. It indicates a desired outcome or situation, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I'd rather that" is a common and grammatically correct way to express a preference. According to Ludwig, it is frequently used in news and media contexts, indicating its broad applicability in conveying desired outcomes or states. While generally neutral in register, it can be substituted with more formal alternatives like "I would prefer that" in professional settings. "I'd rather that" is a versatile tool for expressing preferences clearly and politely in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would prefer that

A more formal alternative expressing a preference.

I'd prefer it if

Shifts the focus slightly to the condition or action being preferred.

I would rather prefer

An emphatic alternative that reiterates the preference.

I'd be happier if

Expresses the preference in terms of personal satisfaction.

It would be better if

Focuses on the improved outcome of the preferred situation.

I'd sooner that

An older, somewhat more emphatic way of expressing preference.

I'd favor that

Indicates a leaning towards a particular option.

My preference would be that

A more formal and explicit statement of preference.

I wish that

Expresses a desire for a different situation.

It is my wish that

A highly formal way to express a desire or preference.

FAQs

How can I use "I'd rather that" in a sentence?

You can use "I'd rather that" to express a preference for something to happen or be the case. For example, "I'd rather that you didn't mention it to anyone."

What's a more formal way to say "I'd rather that"?

A more formal alternative is "I would prefer that". For example, instead of saying "I'd rather that you submit the report on Monday", you could say "I would prefer that you submit the report on Monday."

Is it grammatically correct to say "I'd rather that"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "I'd rather that" is a common and accepted way to express a preference in English.

What can I say instead of "I'd rather that" to express a strong wish?

To express a stronger wish, you might use alternatives like "I wish that" or "if only", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.