Would Rather Gerunds: Correct Usage and Common Mistakes

When it comes to the English language, understanding proper syntax and sentence structure is crucial, especially when using specific phrases and constructions. One such construction is the use of “would rather” followed by a gerund. This article aims to clarify the correct usage of gerunds in conjunction with “would rather”, addressing common misunderstandings and highlighting the distinctions between gerunds and verbs.

Understanding Gerunds

A gerund is a verbal that functions as a noun. It is formed by adding -ing to the base form of a verb. For example, in the phrase “running, running is the gerund. Gerunds can be used in various grammatical contexts, such as the subject or object of a sentence, like in “Running is my favorite exercise.”

Using “Would Rather” with Gerunds

The phrase “would rather” is often used to express a preference. It typically follows a gerund structure to indicate a preference between two actions. For example:

Example 1: I would rather run than walk.

Example 2: I would rather read than watch TV.

Here, the gerunds “run” and “read” are used to express choices. It's important to note that a gerund is required here because “would rather” needs a verb form to function correctly.

Common Misconceptions and Mistakes

Despite the clear rules, many people are unsure about whether to use a gerund or a verb after “would rather”. One common mistake is using a gerund incorrectly, as in the following bad example:

Bad Example: I would rather running to walking. (This sentence is incorrect.)

This incorrect usage is often due to a misunderstanding of the sentence structure. The correct way to express this preference would be to use the gerund “running”:

Correct Example: I would rather running to walking. (This should actually be: I would rather run to walking.)

Evidently, the correct form should be:

Correct Example: I would rather run to walking or I would prefer running to walking.

The Role of “Preferred” as an Alternative

Another common mistake is to confuse “would rather” with “prefer”. While “would rather” is a comparative form often used in informal conversation, “prefer” is a more formal and clear alternative that can often be used interchangeably with “would rather”. For example:

Correct Example: I would prefer running to walking.

Both “would rather running to walking” and “would prefer running to walking” are correct, though the latter is more commonly used in formal writing and more clear in meaning.

Conclusion

Summarizing the key points:

A gerund is a verbal form ending in -ing that behaves like a noun. “Would rather” requires a gerund to indicate a preference. Correct usage examples include: I would rather run to walking or I would prefer running to walking.

Understanding these distinctions will help you use the construction correctly and avoid common mistakes. This knowledge is beneficial not only for speaking but also for writing, ensuring that your English is clear, precise, and grammatically correct.