“Will rather” or “would rather”: which is correct?

Why people get it wrong

People sometimes confuse the modal verbs will and would when expressing preference. They incorrectly combine will with rather to form will rather, thinking it conveys a future preference. However, the correct expression to indicate preference is would rather, regardless of the tense.

What kind of mistake it is

Grammatical error involving misuse of modal verbs

Examples with would rather

• I would rather go for a walk than watch TV.
• She would rather read a book than play video games.
• They would rather travel by train than by plane.
• He would rather have tea instead of coffee.
• We would rather wait here until the rain stops.