Had better · would rather · rather than
Strong advice and preferences, using Unit 28 vocabulary in every example.
We give strong advice with had better (+ base verb) and express preferences with would rather and rather than. Every example uses this unit's advice-and-preference vocabulary.
A — How it works
had better + base verb = strong advice/warning. would rather + base verb = preference. rather than = instead of.
1) had better — strong advice / warning
Often warns of a bad result.
- You'd better update your CV before the interview.
- He'd better not arrive late — the manager is strict.
- We'd better prepare answers about our strengths.
- You'd better make up your mind soon.
2) would rather — preference
'd rather + base verb (+ than).
- I'd rather work from home than commute.
- She'd rather have a refund than an exchange.
- Would you rather take the job or keep looking?
- I'd rather not decide today.
3) rather than — instead of
Compare two options.
- Walk rather than drive to save time.
- I recommend the train rather than the bus.
- Choose one career goal rather than three.
- Ask for advice rather than guess.
The rest of this lesson is in the General English course:
- B — Quick reference
- Remember
Try it: Choose the correct form
Select the best option.
- You'd ___ update your CV first.
(a) better (b) rather (c) prefer - He'd better ___ arrive late.
(a) not (b) no (c) don't - I'd rather ___ from home than commute.
(a) work (b) to work (c) working - Walk ___ than drive.
(a) rather (b) better (c) prefer - I'd rather ___ decide today.
(a) not (b) no (c) don't - had better + ___.
(a) base verb (b) to + verb (c) -ing
Check your answers in the course — it marks them instantly. This is one of the unit's 3 exercises; the other 2 are in the General English course too.
Practise this unit in the course →