Conditional Type Structures
Would Rather and Would Sooner
Would rather and would sooner have the same meaning as would prefer.
However, the grammar is slightly different.
I'd prefer to be rich than poor.
would prefer + to + verb (infinitive with to)
I'd rather be rich than poor.
would rather + verb (infinitive)
I'd sooner be rich than poor.
would sooner + verb (infinitive )
If we talk about things we want another person to do, then we use a past form after would rather/sooner.
I'd rather you were rich than poor.
would rather + subject + past simple
With prefer there is no change in tense.
I'd prefer you to be rich than poor.
would prefer + subject + to + verb
The teacher would rather be sunbathing on an island now.
Would rather/sooner practice