Teo  +  590689 Sat, 22 Nov 08 02:23 PM 1. I'd rather he pay us the money tomorrow. 2. I'd rather he paid us the money tomorrow. What's the difference in meaning between the above two sentences?   Teo Joined on Tue, Sep 28 2004 Taiwan Contributing Member 1,631 Thank you very much for your reply.

	Fandorin  +  590708 Sat, 22 Nov 08 03:12 PM Teo “ 1. I'd rather he pay us the money tomorrow. It's wrong structure. 2. I'd rather he paid us the money tomorrow. OK. What's the difference in meaning between the above two sentences? ” Generally we use would rather (would sooner) in a way to express a present or future preference. There are some ways to use would rather (would sooner): would rather (would sooner) + bare infinitive. I'd rather stay here forever. (It's my wish and preference) would rather (would sooner) + somebody + Past Simple . I'd rather you didn't make so much noise. (Such a state (not being so noisy) can make me more comfort) wold rather (would sooner) + somebody + Past Perfect. I'd rather you had asked me about buying that car. (Unfortunately you didn't ask and bought the car). Fandorin Joined on Thu, Dec 20 2007 Moscow Contributing Member 1,386 Whatever happens, be yourself. Past Perfect, Past Simple

	Teo  +  590713 Sat, 22 Nov 08 03:21 PM I wouldn't use would in those, but either the present subjunctive or the past (subjunctive) seems appropriate.   I'd rather -- he join me / he joined me / he not join me / he didn't join me the appointment [be / were] rescheduled / [not be / were not] rescheduled the meeting [take / took] place tomorrow / [not take / didn't take] place the meeting [be / were] canceled / [not be / were not] canceled  it [happen / happened] now than later / [not happen / didn't happen] now My personal choice is probably more often the present subjunctive, though I can imagine myself using either one. CJ http://www.englishforums.com/English/SubjunctiveAfterWouldRather/gbgdn/post.htm Teo Subjunctives

	Yankee  +  590737 Sat, 22 Nov 08 04:13 PM Teo “ 1. I'd rather he pay us the money tomorrow. 2. I'd rather he paid us the money tomorrow. ” Hi Teo In my opinion, both sentences are fine.  Perhaps sentence 2 is more likely to be used in a situation where someone has stated that it is his intention to pay you next week, for example.  Thus, you would be stating a wish/preference that is contrary to a current plan/expectation: A: He is going to pay you that money next week. B: I'd rather he paid us the money tomorrow. . Yankee Joined on Sat, Apr 15 2006 Connecticut, USA Veteran Member 6,506 Amy "You can't depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus." - Mark Twain