Can we say:

I would rather read a book than to watch a movie.

instead of:

I would rather read a book than watch a movie.

I have searched the web and found that it is used without "to". But why is it so? Is the first use incorrect?

  • 5
    ? Is there a reason you want to insert the "to" there? And if so, why hadn't you inserted it in front of "read a book" to maintain parallel construction between the two verb phrases? – Teacher KSHuang Mar 15 '17 at 9:27
  • 2
    But to answer your question: yes, the first sentence is incorrect. "Would rather" is one of those phrases that takes a bare infinitive after it. – Teacher KSHuang Mar 15 '17 at 9:32

'Would rather' expresses choice and means 'would prefer to do something'.

So logically your first sentence reads like this:

  • I would prefer to read a book than (prefer) to to watch a movie.

The main rule is "would rather" + verb!

Would rather, would sooner: typical errors

We don’t use would rather or would sooner with an -ing form or a to-infinitive:

I don’t need a lift, thanks. I’d rather walk.

Not: I’d rather to walk. or I’d rather walking.

When we use not referring to a different subject, we attach not to the second clause, not to would rather or would sooner:

I’d rather they didn’t tell anyone

Not: I’d rather not they told anyone.

Your Answer

