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Mr. Tom Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Would sooner

Hi

I just learned that "would sooner" is an idiom which means "to prefer".

My question is:

Is it common among native speakers? Are these correct and natural sentences?


1) I would sooner take coffee please.

2) Would you care for some tea?--No, I would sooner not.

3) I would sooner see him before it's too late.

Thanks,

Tom

  

Top answer

Mr. Tom Is it common among native speakers? Are these correct and natural sentences?

— CalifJim

  • Mr.
  • Tom Is it common among native speakers?
  • Are these correct and natural sentences?
  • 1) I would sooner take coffee please.
  • --No, I would sooner not.
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4 Answers
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Mr. TomIs it common among native speakers? Are these correct and natural sentences?

1) I would sooner take coffee please.

2) Would you care for some tea?--No, I would sooner not.

3) I would sooner see him before it's too late.
It's fairly common, and you will hear it from time to time, but I think it's even
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Hi Tom

Keep in mind that it is fairly unlikely that people would actually say "I would sooner ..."
The word "would" will be contracted: "I'd sooner ..."

I also use "would rather" more often than "would sooner".
And I'd say I use "would just as soon" more often than "would sooner" as well.
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I think "I'd sooner" is a bit more common in the south eastern US than many other regions. I hear it relatively often, especially from older people. "I'd no sooner loan him my truck than I would my gun. Either way, there will be trouble."
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Yes. The negative I would no sooner may be more common. It shows distrust. I'm hesitant to call it southern, however.

CJ
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