we would rather

USAGE SUMMARY

"we would rather" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to express a preference or desire for one thing over another. Example: We would rather go to the beach than stay at home.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"We would rather die here.

The Guardian

Today, we would rather go to Food Emporium.

The New Yorker

"We would rather see it leave Miami".

The New York Times

"We would rather be hungry than pay with our dignity".

The New York Times

We would rather have $1000 now than $1010 next year.

The Economist

"We would rather chew dirt," said a teacher.

The Economist

"We would rather concentrate on the Hoku Awards".

The New York Times - Arts

We would rather be time-poor than plain poor.

The Guardian

"We would rather die than be colonised twice".

The Guardian

We would rather turn to sunny vistas of the future.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We could go on, but we would rather turn it over to you.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we would rather", ensure the context clearly indicates the alternative being considered. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "we would rathered". The correct form is "we would rather". Remember that 'rather' follows 'would' in its base form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we would rather" functions as a conditional verb phrase expressing preference or inclination towards one option over another. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is commonly used in English to indicate a desired alternative. Examples show its utility in expressing what one would prefer in a given scenario.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we would rather" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express preference, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its usage spans various contexts, from News & Media to Science, making it a versatile expression. While alternatives like "we'd prefer" and "we'd sooner" exist, "we would rather" clearly communicates a considered inclination. Remember to use the correct tense and ensure clarity in the alternative being considered for effective communication. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, mastering this phrase will enhance your ability to convey preferences accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we'd prefer

Shortened form, maintains a direct expression of preference.

we'd sooner

Indicates a slight inclination towards one option over another.

it would be our preference

More formal way of expressing preference.

we lean towards

Indicates a tendency or inclination towards a particular option.

our inclination is

Emphasizes the inherent tendency towards a choice.

we are more inclined to

Highlights a stronger tendency or willingness.

we find it preferable

Focuses on the desirability of one option.

we favor

A simpler, more direct way of expressing preference.

we are disposed to

Suggests a natural or inherent tendency toward a certain option.

our choice would be

Clearly states a specific selection among alternatives.

FAQs

How to use "we would rather" in a sentence?

"We would rather" expresses a preference. For example, "We would rather stay home than go out in the rain."

What can I say instead of "we would rather"?

You can use alternatives like "we'd prefer", "we'd sooner", or "it would be our preference depending on the context."

Which is correct, "we would rather" or "we would prefer"?

Both "we would rather" and "we would prefer" are correct and express preference. "We would rather" might suggest a stronger emotional inclination, while "we would prefer" is more neutral.

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

"We would rather" implies a hypothetical or conditional preference, while "we prefer" is a statement of current or general preference. For example, "we prefer tea over coffee" is a general statement, whereas "we would rather have tea" suggests a preference in a specific situation.