Page 506 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

1
rather than
This expression is normally used in 'parallel' structures: for example with two adjectives, adverbs, nouns, infinitives or -ing forms.
I'd call her hair chestnut rather tluln brown.
I'd prefer to go in August rather tluln in July.
We ought to invest in machinery rather tluln buildings.
I prefer starting early rather tluln leaving things to the last minute.
When the main clause has a to-infinitive, rather than is usually followed by an infinitive without to or an -ing form.
I decided to write rather tluln phone/phoning.
Rather than use/using the last of my cash, I decided to write a cheque.
would rather
This expression means 'would prefer to', and is followed by the infinitive without to. We often use the contraction 'd rather.
Would you rather stay here or go home?
How about a drink? ...... I'd rather have something to eat. The negative is would rather not.
I'd rather not go out tonight. (NOT I ftJ6ttltln't rother ...)
2
rather: adverb of degree (rather good, etc) 490
490 rather: adverb of degree (rather good, etc)
1 meaning
Rather can be used as an adverb of degree. The meaning is similar to 'quite' or 'fairly', but more emphatic (see 199). This use of rather is less common in American English.
The film was rather good. Some people rather like being miserable.
It's rather later than I thought. I rather think we're going to lose.
Rather often suggests 'more than is usual', 'more than was expected', 'more than is wanted' and similar ideas.
How was the film? ...... Rather good - I was surprised.
She sings rather well - people often think she's a professional. It's rather warm in here. Let's open a window.
2 word order with articles
Rather generally comes before articles, but can also come after alan if there is an adjective.
That's rather the impression I wanted to give.
He's rather a fool.
lane's had rather a good idea. (OR lane's had a rather good idea.)
3 plural nouns
Rather is not normally used before a plural noun with no adjective. (NOT They'rerotherf66Zs.)
491 rather: preference
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