we rather

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we rather" is not correct in standard written English.
It is typically used incorrectly when someone intends to express a preference, and the correct form would be "we would rather." Example: "We would rather go to the beach than stay at home."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

He supposed he should be thinking in terms of "we" rather than "they".

The New Yorker

pic.twitter.com/5xEOD5cdYz We rather like it.

Independent

Would we rather scandalize or enlighten?

The New York Times - Science

I should say "we" rather than "they".

The New York Times

We rather liked even hovering cupids.

The New Yorker

Who would we rather believe?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

We'd rather not.

The New York Times

We are rather lucky, really.

Independent

We landed rather quickly after that.

The New York Times

But what if we'd rather not?

The New Yorker

We were rather at their mercy".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming to express a preference, always use "we would rather" or its contraction "we'd rather". This ensures grammatical correctness and clarity.

Common error

Don't omit the "would" when expressing preference. Saying "we rather" is a common mistake that deviates from standard English. Instead, ensure you use "we would rather" or the contraction "we'd rather".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we rather" functions as an incorrect attempt to express preference or inclination. While Ludwig provides examples, it's important to note, as Ludwig AI points out, that the phrase is grammatically incorrect and should be avoided in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "we rather" appears frequently in various sources, it's essential to recognize that it is grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI indicates, the proper way to express preference is to use "we would rather" or "we'd rather". Although you can find numerous examples of "we rather" via Ludwig, remember to use the correct phrasing in your writing to maintain clarity and grammatical accuracy. Alternatives like "we prefer" or "we would sooner" can also be considered depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we would prefer

This phrase provides a grammatically correct way to express preference.

we'd rather

This is a contraction of "we would rather", offering a more informal but correct alternative.

we would sooner

This alternative suggests a preference with a slightly different emphasis.

we are inclined to

This phrase offers a more formal way to express a leaning towards something.

we are more apt to

This suggests a natural tendency or likelihood.

we are disposed to

This phrase is a formal way of saying we are inclined or willing.

we favor

This is a more concise way to express preference.

we are partial to

This indicates a fondness or liking for something.

we lean towards

This suggests a slight preference or inclination.

we choose

This is a direct and simple way of indicating a selection or preference.

FAQs

What is the correct way to say "we rather"?

The grammatically correct way to express preference is "we would rather" or the contraction "we'd rather". For example, "we'd rather go to the park than stay home".

What can I say instead of "we rather"?

You can use phrases like "we prefer", "we would sooner", or "we are inclined to" depending on the context.

Is "we rather" grammatically correct?

No, "we rather" is not grammatically correct in standard written English. The correct form is "we would rather" or "we'd rather".

What's the difference between "we rather" and "we would rather"?

"We rather" is a non-standard construction, while "we would rather" is the grammatically correct way to express a preference. Using the correct form ensures clarity and avoids grammatical errors.