Re: Use of the subjunctive after "would rather"

CalifJim — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 20:47:06 GMT

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.

Use of the subjunctive after "would rather"

MarvinTheMartian — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 19:49:51 GMT

I seem to have noticed that, when the object is not a person, "would rather" is often followed by the subjunctive mood instead of the simple past or the pluperfect. For instance, we say "I'd rather you joined me", but I rarely see: "I'd rather the meeting was canceled". Am I right in thinking that it would be better in this case to say: "I'd rather the meeting be canceled". How about the following sentences?

- "I'd rather the appointment be rescheduled."

- "I'd rather the meeting take place (or would take place) tomorrow"

- "If there's going to be a crisis, I'd rather it happen now than later."

Supposing that I'm right, what happens in the negative form? Should one say: "I'd rather the meeting didn't take place" or "I'd rather the meeting not take place (or wouldn't take place)"?

ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: Use of the subjunctive after "would rather"

Use of the subjunctive after "would rather"