Read about using would rather and would sooner below. Then, when you are ready, try these exercises to practise using would rather/sooner.

Using would rather/sooner

I'd rather watch a horror film (would rather).

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

 

Now try these exercises to practise using would rather/sooner.