This expression is similar in meaning to would rather.
The idea
Use would sooner + base verb for your own action, with not before the verb for a negative. For another person's action use a subject and past form.
Examples
- I'd sooner cycle than drive.
- She'd sooner cook at home.
- We'd sooner not leave yet.
- I'd sooner you stayed nearby.
- They'd sooner we didn't mention the surprise.
- Would you sooner meet on Monday?
Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.
No English device voice is available. You can still read the examples.
Watch out
Do not add to before the base verb. The past form in I'd sooner you stayed describes a preference now, not necessarily a past event.
Try it yourself
Choose the correct option. I'd sooner ___ by train. (travel / to travel)
Show answer or example answer
travel
travel is the bare verb after the speaker's preference.
Choose the correct option. We'd sooner ___ outside. (not eat / not to eat)
Show answer or example answer
not eat
not eat places the negative before the bare verb.
Choose the correct option. She'd sooner you ___ the door. (closed / close)
Show answer or example answer
closed
closed expresses her present preference about your action.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the correct option. I'd sooner ___ by train. (travel / to travel)
Choose the correct option. We'd sooner ___ outside. (not eat / not to eat)
Choose the correct option. She'd sooner you ___ the door. (closed / close)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Keep your progress
Sign up for free to save your practice results.
Sign up to saveI already have an accountUse it today
Write one preference about yourself and one about another person.