English Grammar
Would Rather
I'd rather + base verb (same subject) — or — I'd rather + subject + past simple (different subject)
Expresses a personal preference. In everyday speech, the most common form by far is "I'd rather + base verb" — used when you're talking about what YOU want to do: "I'd rather stay home." "I'd rather not talk about it." "I'd rather cry than laugh." For preferring what someone ELSE does, English shifts to "I'd rather + subject + past simple" — "I'd rather you didn't smoke." "She'd rather we left now." This second form is rarer in unscripted conversation and carries a slightly more formal or indirect tone.
Real Examples from Native Speakers
"And I would rather get free food for life even though I love to travel on airplanes."
Would You Rather: Free Flights Or Free Food?
How it works
Formula
I'd rather + base verb (same subject) — or — I'd rather + subject + past simple (different subject)
This page combines the textbook rule with real-world English — every example is an unscripted clip from a real native speaker. You're hearing how this grammar point sounds in real life, not in a classroom.