Rather + do or doing

Question

Hi,“I decided to focus on one of the strategies rather than cover all of them.”“I decided to focus on one of the strategies rather than covering all of them.”“I decided to focus on one of the strategies rather than to cover all of them.” I like the last one the least. I’d lean  either towards the first one or the second one.Is one of these more correct than the other?Thank you.

Englishmaven · Accepted Answer

The first one is best. I agree that the last one isn't good.

Clive · Answer

I decided to focus on one of the strategies rather than cover all of them.” OK

“I decided to focus on one of the strategies rather than covering all of them.”

It's best to refer to infinitive . . . infinitive or gerund . . .gerund, rather than referring to both. For this reason, this sentence is not so good.

“I decided to focus on one of the strategies rather than to cover all of them.” I like this better than #1. It's 'smoother'.

I like the last one the least. I’d lean either towards the first one or the second one.

It doesn't sound quite right to 'cover strategies'. It's more natural to eg use or implement strategies.But it depends on the context.

Clive

Rather + do or doing

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