Would rather not...

Question

Hi,I've got the following question:I am going to teach pre-intermediate learners expressions related to intentions and wishes. They will be taught "would rather...", "would like to"... etc. I have adapted material from a well-known coursebook. In their grammar focus box they write:"Remember: We do not usually use would rather in negative sentences. I would rather go on a walking holiday. I wouldn’t rather go on a beach holiday."But they will be taught all of the forms of "would rather" (affirmative, interrogative, negative). I searched Google Ngram Viewer and the results for "would rather not" and "would not like to" show that the frequency they are used nowadays is the same. Of course "wouldn't rather" is not correct.Do you think it is necessary to tell them that "would rather" is not usually used in negative sentences? I worry that it might be confusing for them. I thought about omitting it. What is your opinion?

Persian Learner · Accepted Answer

My two-penneth:

I wouldn't suggest you teach "would rather" to pre-intermediate students. From a Natural Order point of view, this structure should be dealt with at high intermediate levels.

But, if you should do that, the negative form should not be ignored:

I ~~wouldn’t rather~~ go on a beach holiday."

I would rather not go on a beach holiday.

Anonymous · Answer

Stephanie.
Hi,
I've got the following question:
I am going to teach pre-intermediate learners expressions related to intentions and wishes. They will be taught "would rather...", "would like to"... etc. I have adapted material from a well-known coursebook. In their grammar focus box they write:
"Remember: We do not usually use would rather in negative sentences. This is not really true though. Yes, we won't say " rather wouldn't...." but we can say " I would rather not go if I had a choice". Not- is still negative.
I would rather go on a walking holiday.
I ~~wouldn’t rather~~ go on a beach holiday."
But they will be taught all of the forms of "would rather" (affirmative, interrogative, negative). I searched Google Ngram Viewer and the results for "would rather not" and "would not like to" show that the frequency they are used nowadays is the same. Of course "wouldn't rather" is not correct.
Do you think it is necessary to tell them that "would rather" is not usually used in negative sentences? I worry that it might be confusing for them. I thought about omitting it. What is your opinion?

I see your point. If I were to tell your students about the use of "would rather", I will advise them that they can use it in a negative sentence, but only the "not" is placed after "rather", not before. Also, there is the comparative context " I would rather go on hearing your lies than go on living without you" as written in a line of lyrics in a famous song.

Would rather not...

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