Understanding and effectively using the ‘would rather + bare infinitive’ structure is crucial for IELTS success. This versatile expression allows you to express preferences and make comparisons, which can significantly enhance your writing and speaking skills. Let’s delve into the intricacies of this structure and explore how to use it to boost your IELTS score.
What Does ‘Would Rather + Bare Infinitive’ Mean and How Often Does It Appear in IELTS?
The ‘would rather + bare infinitive’ structure is used to express a preference for one action over another. It’s a common construction that frequently appears in IELTS speaking and writing tasks, as well as in reading and listening passages. Understanding this structure can help you articulate your preferences more clearly and precisely.
Here are some examples of how this structure might be used in IELTS contexts:
- “I would rather stay at home than go out tonight.” (Speaking Task)
- “Many students would rather study abroad than in their home country.” (Writing Task 2)
- “The survey showed that most employees would rather work flexible hours.” (Reading Passage)
- “The interviewee stated that she would rather pursue a career in science than in arts.” (Listening Section)
- “Given the choice, I would rather live in a small town than a big city.” (Speaking Task)
In each of these examples, the speaker or writer is expressing a clear preference using the ‘would rather + bare infinitive’ structure.
Grammar Formula and Analysis
The basic formula for this structure is:
Subject + would rather + bare infinitive (+ than + bare infinitive)
Let’s break down this formula:
- Subject: The person or thing making the preference
- Would rather: The fixed phrase indicating preference
- Bare infinitive: The verb without ‘to’
- (+ than + bare infinitive): Optional addition to compare two actions
It’s important to note that we use the bare infinitive (verb without ‘to’) after ‘would rather’. This is a common mistake that IELTS candidates make, often incorrectly using the full infinitive.
Application in Different IELTS Sections
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IELTS Writing:
In Task 2 essays, you can use this structure to express opinions or discuss preferences:
“Many people would rather work from home than commute to an office.” -
IELTS Speaking:
This structure is particularly useful in Part 3 when discussing hypothetical situations:
“If given the choice, I would rather learn a new language than a new instrument.” -
IELTS Reading:
You might encounter this structure in passages about people’s choices or societal trends:
“The study found that millennials would rather spend money on experiences than material possessions.” -
IELTS Listening:
Listen for this structure in conversations or monologues about preferences:
“The manager explained that he would rather hire someone with practical experience than academic qualifications.”
Sample Passages and Analysis
Here’s a sample paragraph that might appear in an IELTS Writing Task 2 essay:
“In today’s fast-paced world, many young professionals would rather prioritize their careers over starting a family. They would rather invest their time and energy in climbing the corporate ladder than in raising children. This shift in priorities is evident in the declining birth rates in many developed countries. However, some argue that people would rather regret not having children than missing out on career opportunities. Ultimately, the choice between career and family is highly personal, and individuals must weigh their options carefully.”
Analysis:
- The paragraph uses the ‘would rather + bare infinitive’ structure three times to discuss preferences and trends.
- It demonstrates how this structure can be used to compare different life choices and societal trends.
- The use of this structure adds sophistication to the writing and shows a good command of English grammar.
Using ‘Would Rather’ to Achieve Higher Band Scores
To achieve higher band scores in IELTS, you need to use this structure accurately and demonstrate flexibility in your language use. Here’s how you can use ‘would rather’ to target different band scores:
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Band 6: Basic use of the structure
“I would rather live in the city than in the countryside.” -
Band 7: More complex use with additional clauses
“Given the current economic situation, I would rather save money for the future than spend it on luxury items.” -
Band 8-9: Sophisticated use with idiomatic expressions and complex ideas
“In an ideal world, people would rather base their career choices on passion rather than financial gain, but the reality is often more complicated.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using ‘to’ after ‘would rather’:
Incorrect: “I would rather to go to the beach.”
Correct: “I would rather go to the beach.” -
Using the wrong form of the verb after ‘than’:
Incorrect: “I would rather stay at home than going out.”
Correct: “I would rather stay at home than go out.” -
Confusing ‘would rather’ with ‘prefer’:
Incorrect: “I would rather staying at home.” (mixing structures)
Correct: “I would rather stay at home.” or “I prefer staying at home.” -
Forgetting to use ‘would’ in negative or question forms:
Incorrect: “Rather you stay at home?”
Correct: “Would you rather stay at home?” -
Using ‘that’ instead of ‘than’ for comparisons:
Incorrect: “I would rather eat out that cook at home.”
Correct: “I would rather eat out than cook at home.”
Conclusion
Mastering the ‘would rather + bare infinitive’ structure is an excellent way to enhance your IELTS performance. It allows you to express preferences clearly and compare options effectively. Remember to use the bare infinitive after ‘would rather’ and maintain parallel structure when using ‘than’ for comparisons. Practice using this structure in various contexts, and you’ll find it becomes a valuable tool in your IELTS preparation.
To further improve your skills, try incorporating this structure into your responses to practice questions like:
- Describe a difficult decision you had to make recently.
- Do you think people today have different priorities compared to previous generations?
- How do you think work-life balance will change in the future?
By using ‘would rather’ effectively in your responses to such questions, you’ll demonstrate a high level of grammatical control and express your ideas with precision and clarity.