would rather

Would Rather - Structure

The form would rather is a little strange because 'rather' is not a verb but is part of an expression that means 'would prefer to'. 'Rather' is usually immediately followed by a verb in base form (verb without 'to'). It's common to use would rather in the shortened 'd rather form in positive statements. All subjects take 'would rather'. Would rather can be used to refer to the present moment or a future moment in time. 

Positive

Subject + would rather ('d rather) + base form of verb

Peter'd rather spend time on the beach.
I would rather learn a new language than study math.

Question

Would + subject + rather + base form of verb

Would you rather stay at home?
Would they rather do homework tomorrow morning?

Would Rather - Than

Would rather is often used with 'than' with two verbs or objects when making a choice between two specific actions.

Would you rather work for Tom than for Mary?
She would rather play tennis than go horseback riding.

Would Rather - For Other People

Would rather is also used to express what one person prefers another person to do. The structure is unusual because it takes the past for the preferred action. Here are some examples:

Tom would rather Mary bought a SUV.
Would you rather she stayed here with us?

Positive

Subject + would rather ('d rather) + object + past tense

I would rather my son worked in finance.
Susan would rather Peter took a plane.

Question

Would + subject + rather + object + past tense

Would she rather her sister flew home tomorrow?
Would you rather he came with us to the meeting?

Positive

Subject + would rather ('d rather) + object + negative past tense

I'd rather she didn't come with us today.
Tim would rather Peter didn't join the company.