【问】 (1) “John wants to see you today” “I would rather he________ tomorrow than today. ”

A. comes B. came C. should come D. has come(TOEFL，73. 6)

(2) I_________have coffee than tea.

A. like more to B. prefer C. would rather D. had better(Nelson，250A)

请分析上面两句中would rather。

【答】 句(2)中的would (rather)与动词原形连用，可看做是情态动词(宁愿);句(1)中would

(rather)可看作是及物动词，与宾语从句连用，表示愿望;如果宾语从句中谓语动词使用过去完成时，则表示与过去事实相反的愿望。请对比下列实例：

1. I'll never be dependent on anyone again. I'd rather starve. (Walpole)

我将再也不依赖任何人。我宁愿挨饿。

2. I'd rather you told me the truth，(Eckersley)

我宁愿你说实话。

3. I'd rather you hadn't told me about it.

我宁愿你未曾把这件事告诉我。

(参见would rather/’d rather that)