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Tuongvan Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

it is better to do ...than or rather than ?

Hi teachers,
I am confused about the use of "rather than" and " than " in combination with "it is better".So could you possibly help me make it clear whether which of the following is correct and sound natural to native speakers? PLease correct other parts whch may be incorrect:

It is better for you to suffer breaking up with your lover now than to continue running after her ,and much later find out that she is betraying you .

It is better for you to suffer breaking up with your lover now rather than to continue running after her ,and much later find out that she is betraying you .

Thank you in advance
  

Top answer

Both than and rather than are correct and sound natural. Also, the to on the second infinitive is optional. It is better to stay (rather) than (to) go.

  • Both than and rather than are correct and sound natural.
  • Also, the to on the second infinitive is optional.
  • It is better to stay (rather) than (to) go.
  • It is better to be rich and healthy (rather) than (to) be poor and sick.
  • It is better to light a candle (rather) than (to) curse the darkness.
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4 Answers
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Both than and rather than are correct and sound natural. Also, the to on the second infinitive is optional.

It is better to stay (rather) than (to) go.
It is better to be rich and healthy (rather) than (to) be poor and sick.
It is better to light a candle (rather) than (to) curse the darkness.
In my own speech I typically omit rat
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Thank you Calijim very much, but how about the wording of the whole sentence? Is there anything that needs correcting?

It is better for you to suffer breaking up relationship with your lover now than (to) continue to running after her and much later (to) discover that she is betraying you.

Your correction would be highly appreciated

Best wishes
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It is better for you to suffer breaking up a relationship with your lover now than (to) continue to running run after her and much later (to) discover that she is betraying you.
OK as corrected.
CJ
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Thank you Califjim very much

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