English IV – Lesson 3.

3.3 YOU`D BETTER TELL HER EVERYTHING

EXPRESSING PREFERENCES “ PREFER / WOULD RATHER

Compare the following structures:

PREFER + GERUND + to + GERUND I prefer reading a good book to

watching TV

WOULD RATHER + than + BARE INFINITIVE (= t©=) I’d rather read a

good book than watch TV (similar to "prefer” in present actions only )

WOULD PREFER -> only the preferred action is mentioned I would prefer
to dine out tonight
WOULD RATHER -> similar to “would prefer" but both actions can be mentioned,
as well as omitted. I’d rather dine out than stay at home tonight I’d rather dine out.

SUBJECT + ( WOULD PREFER or WOULD RATHER) + SUBJECT + VERB (subjunctive)

Compare these structures. The meaning is the same, but the structure is not.

I’d prefer you to pay cash -> would prefer you + INF.
I’d rather you paid cash -> would rather you + SIMPLE PAST
Negative forms:
I’d prefer you not to tell your friends about this I’d rather you didn’t tell your friends
about this

Negative preference
» c'
Shall I tell my friends? - I’d rather you didn’t

Ready? Now let´s work with our exercises :

Activity 1

I) FILL THE GAPS WITH THE APPROPRIATE FORM OF THE VERB

1 – I think most people prefer _______ (DRIVE) ___________ (WALK)

2- I’d rather you _____________(NOT SMOKE) in here, it’s too crowded.
3- My mother would prefer you __________ (HELP) Peter in the shed.
4- __________________________________ Boris Eltsin would rather (DRINK)vodka
_______________________________ water
5- I’d prefer____________ (GO) by train, but I’d rather you______________(NOT TELL )
your father.
6- When I was a child I preferred _________ (PLAY) football ________ (WATCH) in on
the box. Now I’d rather _________________ (SIT DOWN) in my armchair with a pint
nearby if possible .
7- Would you like some gin? - I’d rather _____ (HAVE) wine, thanks.
8- Would you rather I _________(FINISH) this exercise before going out?
9- My parents would rather I _______ (STUDY) more, but I’d prefer them
(MIND) their
own business. I’ve come of age, after all.
10- I’d prefer you _______ (PHONE) me after 4,, if you don’t mind.

This structure is most commonly used to make recommendations. It can also be used to express
desperate hope as well as warn people. When we use “had better” there is a suggestion that if the
advice is not followed, something bad may happen.

Examples:
« You had better take your umbrella with you today, recommendation
• I’m terribly late for my flight! The bus to the airport had better get here soon!
desperate hope 9 You had better watch the way you talk to me in the future,
young man! warning

We normally contract this form when talking, if possible: You’d better take I You’d better
watch...
 GIVING ADVICE, WARNING, EXPRESSING HOPE: HAD BETTER (NOT)
We use “had better” to give advice about specific situations, not general ones. If you want
to talk about general situations, you must use “should”.
• You should brush your teeth before you go to bed.
 I shouldn't listen to negative people.

» He should dress more appropriately for the office.

Anyway, the form "should” can always be used, whether for general or specific advice

Activity 2
Rewrite the sentences by matching the two columns

Mix and match

You’d better not tell him or we can't go out.

I'd batter get back to work or you’ll get a punishment.

I'd better do it now or R will he too late.

You’d better pass your exams or 1 won't get finished before 5.

You’d better Invite them or they will be offended.

I'd better take the early train or you’ll be cold.

We’d better find a babysitter or he'll be very angry.

You’d better hand in your you won't get into university.

homework or

You'd better put a coat on or 1 will be late.