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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
I'd sooner that
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesAlternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
The artist expressed dismay at the prospect of legal action and said she'd sooner that the money and time was spent on productive action to ease the refugee crisis.
News & Media
I feel more committed when I believe that whatever I do will sooner or later be part of my own English belongings and would become mine.
You get me caught-and-bowled whenever you like but I'll pick that slow one sooner or later".
Wiki
It will be that much sooner that we'll all be better off.
News & Media
It's looking possible, and I'd bet that will be sooner rather than later.
News & Media
But I will say, as a hint -- the sooner that women stop allowing themselves to be portrayed as sex objects the sooner we can make a more balanced history.
News & Media
I'd bet that Facebook will have one sooner or later.
News & Media
And I sense a fundamental tension that will sooner or later explode – between London's place in the same swath of the world economy as New York and Shanghai, and the fact that even its most elevated corners are part of the same country as Leith, Skegness and Pontypridd.
News & Media
But Jay felt that France, like a "broken reed, that will sooner or later pierce our hands", was not to be trusted.
News & Media
It was the basis for the Microsoft antitrust trial a decade ago —and I'll bet the rent that sooner or later it's going to be the basis for a Justice Department inquiry into Google's business practices.
News & Media
This notion of "dual use" research is an important one for the community, and one that will sooner or later become critical.
Science & Research
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "I'd sooner that", ensure the context clearly indicates the preferred alternative or condition. Use it to express a choice where the other option is undesirable.
Common error
Avoid using "I'd sooner that" when simply stating a preference without implying an alternative or condition. Opt for "I'd prefer" or "I'd rather" in those cases.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "I'd sooner that" functions as a conditional expression, indicating a preference or inclination toward a specific outcome, often implying an alternative scenario considered less desirable. Ludwig AI validates this usage through example sentences.
Frequent in
News & Media
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Science
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Formal & Business
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Less common in
Wiki
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Reference
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Encyclopedias
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "I'd sooner that" serves as a conditional expression indicating a preference. Ludwig AI analysis categorizes it as acceptable, though relatively rare in contemporary usage. Alternatives such as "I'd prefer that" or "I would rather that" may be more common in some contexts. The phrase functions to express a preference for a specific outcome, with the intent of influencing decisions or actions. While not strictly formal, the register is neutral and the phrase could be used across different communicative contexts.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
I'd prefer that
Expresses a direct preference, similar to "I'd sooner that" but without the slight implication of condition.
I would rather that
A more formal equivalent, expressing a strong preference.
I would favor that
Indicates a leaning towards a particular option or action.
I'd be happier if
Shifts the focus to the speaker's emotional state regarding a condition.
it would be better if
Focuses on the improvement that a condition would bring.
I'd be inclined to
Suggests a tendency toward a particular action or belief.
I'm more inclined to
Similar to "I'd be inclined to", but with a stronger emphasis on current inclination.
I'd be willing to
Expresses a readiness to accept a condition or outcome.
It suits me better if
Focuses on personal suitability and preference.
I find it preferable that
A more emphatic way of stating a preference.
FAQs
What does "I'd sooner that" mean?
The phrase "I'd sooner that" means "I would prefer that" or "I would rather that". It's used to express a preference for a particular outcome or action, often implying a conditional situation or an alternative that is less desirable.
Is "I'd sooner that" grammatically correct?
Yes, "I'd sooner that" is grammatically acceptable, although it may sound somewhat informal or old-fashioned. More common alternatives include /s/I'd+rather+that or /s/I'd+prefer+that.
What are some alternatives to "I'd sooner that"?
You can use alternatives such as "I'd prefer that", "I would rather that", or "I'd be happier if", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.
How do I use "I'd sooner that" in a sentence?
Use "I'd sooner that" followed by a clause expressing the preferred outcome. For example: "I'd sooner that you didn't mention it to anyone" expresses a preference that someone keeps a secret.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested