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'Rather' and its uses
FORM/USE: 'RATHER THAN' + PHRASEB1Use a specialist book rather than the Internet. A book is more reliable.Take the stairs rather than the lift. It’ll keep you fitter.FORM: 'RATHER THAN' + NON-FINITE CLAUSEB2I’d prefer to go camping rather than stay in a hotel. It’s nice to be out in the fresh air.Rather than sitting around doing nothing, why don’t you go and do some sport. (instead of)I’d rather take the bus than get the car out. FORM: WITH 'RATHER A'ADJECTIVESB2Actually, I’m rather bad/good at playing football. I’ve got two left feet.She lives rather a long way from school, so she’s often late.FORM: WOULD + RATHER + PASTI’d rather + indirect object + past (but it’s not a past)I’d rather you didn’t go to that concert next Saturday. I don’t think it’s suitable.I’d rather you stayed at home and helped with the baby. I’ve got to catch up with some work.
See the transcript of the dialogue: https://www.practisingenglish.com/podcast-233.htm)
At https://www.practisingenglish.com/) I offer learners of intermediate-level English, grammar help and exercises and other English learning pages.https://www.practisingenglish.com/My latest novel for learners of B2 English is called The Tudor Conspiracy. You can see it on Amazon here: https://amzn.to/33Axu2N)https://amzn.to/33Axu2NBe back soon with another podcast!Mike Bilbrough (Secondary school English teacher and Doctor in English philology)
