would rather

idiom

—used to indicate what one wants or prefers to do, have, etc.

She would rather drive than take the train.

I would rather you didn't tell them.

"If you'd rather, we can go outside." "No, thanks—I'd rather not."

Which beach would you rather go to?

Examples of would rather in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

State law does not recognize that some animal rescue organizations would rather fix stray cats and release them back in the wild rather than place such animals into shelters or put them up for adoption. —Nathan Solis, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2024

Instead, clients feel that stylists would rather promote viral styles that fit their Instagram aesthetics like the boho faux locs or the boho knotless braids. —Essence, 8 Apr. 2024

Better Together Most of these apps are based on the central premise that most of us would rather talk to family or close friends than with a pretty stranger shilling snack boxes. —Adrienne So, WIRED, 8 Apr. 2024

Hamas would rather sacrifice the civilian population of Gaza on the altar of its genocidal ambition and suicidal desires. —Matthew Continetti, National Review, 6 Apr. 2024

Almost all Israelis want to hit Hamas hard, but the country is split between those who are willing to embrace a cease-fire so the hostages can be returned and those, including Netanyahu, who would rather risk the hostages’ lives than let up on Hamas. —Daniel Byman, Foreign Affairs, 5 Apr. 2024

But the New Hampshire resident would rather mentor younger coworkers and chat up clients than measure putts on a green. —Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024

The hotels responded by saying their guests would rather hear other kinds of music instead. —Stephanie Yang, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2024

But there is nowhere else Mr. Silver would rather be. —Aurelien Breeden, New York Times, 29 Mar. 2024