When would rather or would sooner is followed by a different subject, the verb takes the past simple for a present or future preference, as in I’d rather you didn’t smoke, or the past perfect for regret about something already done, as in I’d rather you hadn’t told her. Same subject uses the bare infinitive.
Grammar Rule
When would rather/sooner is followed by a different subject, the verb takes a past tense form with present/future meaning (a hypothetical past, like after wish). When the preference concerns something already done — usually regret — the past perfect is used instead. When the subject is the same as the speaker, no clause is needed: use the bare infinitive.
Would Rather / Would Sooner + Subject + Past/Past Perfect: Rules and Examples
| Structure | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Would rather + subject + past simple | present/future preference | I’d rather you didn’t smoke. |
| Would rather + subject + past perfect | regret about something already done | I’d rather you hadn’t told her. |
| Would rather + bare infinitive | same subject as speaker | I’d rather stay home. |
Remember: Use the past simple for present/future preferences and the past perfect for regrets about something already done.
Practice Test
Instructions
Answer each question in the test below using would rather or would sooner with the correct tense. You will get a new random set of questions every time you retake the test, plus a downloadable results summary with your name and score at the end.
C1-10 Would Rather / Would Sooner + Subject + Past/Past Perfect
Click «Start the test» to begin right away — no signup required. You can get a personalized certificate with your name and score at the end, if you want one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tense follows would rather with a different subject for present preferences?
The past simple, as in I’d rather you didn’t smoke.
What tense follows would rather for regret about something already done?
The past perfect, as in I’d rather you hadn’t told her.
What follows would rather when the subject is the same as the speaker?
The bare infinitive, as in I’d rather stay home.
Why does would rather use a past tense for present meaning?
Because it is a hypothetical past, similar to the past tense used after wish.