Употребление “rather” в английском языке
Сегодня слово rather расценивается многими чуть ли не как слово-паразит: всё из-за того, что его значение и употребление не до конца понятны, что позволяет вольности в его употреблении в речи. Чтобы избавиться от чрезмерного и неуместного использования этого слова, давайте обратимся к словарю.
rather [‘rɑːðə] — наречие . Переводится как довольно, до некоторой степени
I rather like it.
I find her books rather dull.
Когда нужно использовать rather?
A) Используем в качестве наречия степени:
-
Перед прилагательным:
The film was rather good.
-
Перед наречием:
It happened rather quickly.
Примечание:
- Rather выражает степень сильнее, чем fairly, но слабее, чем very.
-
Rather может стоять и перед существительным (перед артиклем для этого существительного):
It’s rather a problem.
-
Rather может стоять и перед некоторыми глаголами:
I rather like it.
B) Используем для выражения предпочтений
Rather than:
Rather than используется для сравнения:
Let’s take the train rather than the bus.
Rather you than me!
I decided to write rather than email.
Would rather:
-
Would rather + infinitive без ‘to’:
I‘d rather leave now.
-
Would rather + местоимение + прошедшее время:
I‘d rather he came early.
Сравните:
|
Один субъект (+ инфинитив) |
Разные субъекты (+ глагол в прошедшем времени) |
|
I’d rather stay at home than go out tonight. – Лучше я сегодня останусь дома, нежели пойду гулять. |
I’d rather you stayed at home tonight. – Лучше бы ты остался сегодня дома. |
|
I’d rather not go out tonight. – Лучше я сегодня не пойду гулять. |
I’d rather you didn’t go outtonight. – Лучше бы ты сегодня не ходил гулять. |
C) Would rather vs. Had better
Не стоит путать 2 конструкции – had better и would rather, — а также пытаться их смешивать: would better.
Would rather используется, когда мы говорим о предпочтениях.
Конструкция had better нужна, чтобы дать совет, рекомендацию, выразить практическое решение (в отличие от желания или предпочтения) – «тебе бы лучше сделать…»
Сравните:
|
I’d better get a taxi. The buses are so slow. – Мне лучше взять такси. Автобусы такие медленные. |
It is a good idea, better, or advisable to get a taxi. |
|
I’d rather get a taxi. I don’t like buses.- Мне лучше взять такси, я не люблю автобусы. |
Я предпочитаю ездить на такси. |
Some words in the English Language seem to have similar meanings and many speakers mistakenly use them interchangeably. The words “whether” and “rather” are similar in construction, but different in meaning. Here we discuss the meanings of the two words and the proper way to use them.
What Is The Difference Between “Rather” And “Whether”?
The words “rather” and “whether” have different meanings. Use the word “rather” when you want to state a preference about something, or as a different way to say “instead of.” Use the word “whether” to show specific alternatives in instances where you have more than one option.
You should be aware that the two words have quite distinct differences and are not considered to be synonyms for each other. Therefore, they should not be used as such and would change the context of a sentence or make it unreadable.
When Should I Use “Rather”?
Use the word “rather” to indicate your specific preference for one thing over another. You can also use it as an alternative way to say the phrase “instead of,” or express the certain degree to which someone is acting in a specific way or performing a specific action.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines the word “rather” to mean “in preference to, or as a preference,” “more accurately; more exactly,” and “to a noticeable degree; somewhat.”
You can also use the word “rather” as the phrase “but rather” to show a contrast between things. When used in this way, it draws more attention to, or stresses, the second clause of the sentence.
Here are some examples of how to use “rather” in a sentence, including using the phrase “but rather.”
- I would rather go bowling than go to the movies.
- I was rather annoyed that the show was canceled.
- It was our usual place to eat, but rather somewhere new we tried.
- I didn’t follow the diet my doctor suggested, but rather tried one I found on my own.
- Rather than paying for parking, let’s try the lot down the street.
- I’d rather you didn’t come on Saturday morning, I won’t have time to visit.
- He’d rather play video games than do his school work.
Notice how in sentences #3 and #4 the phrase “but rather” is used.
When Should I Use “Whether”?
The word “whether” is a conjunction that connects two phrases or clauses in the sentence. Use the word “whether” when you what to express doubt about something. Also use it to indicate that you are making a choice between two alternatives.
Be sure that you do not confuse this word with the homonym “weather,” which instead refers to what the temperature is like outside.
The Cambridge Dictionary defines “whether,” as “used to refer to one or more possibilities or to express uncertainty.”
Two commonly used phrases that include the word “whether” are “whether it be” and “whether it is.”
Here are some examples of how to use “whether” in a sentence, including the use of the phrases “whether it be” and “whether it is.”
- I don’t know whether to book the appointment in the morning or the afternoon.
- He is an excellent guitar player, whether it be on an acoustic or electric one.
- I really enjoy a good glass of wine, whether it is red wine or white wine.
- We are still deciding whether to serve hamburgers or pizza at the party.
- I’m not sure whether I’ll be able to make it to the meeting or not.
- I never know whether what he tells me is true or not.
- I like playing all types of sports, whether it be baseball, basketball, or football.
Notice how in sentences #2 and #7 the phrase “whether it be” is used and in sentence #3 the phrase “whether it is” is used.
Is It “Rather Than” Or “Whether Than”?
The phrase “rather than,” is a commonly used and accepted phrase. The phrase “whether than,” is not and should not be used when speaking or writing. The reason is that the word “than” is used to show an exception or contrast. The phrase “whether than” cannot serve that purpose.
Here are two examples of how to use “rather than” in a sentence.
- Rather than go to Hawaii for a vacation, I think we should go to Bali.
- I think we should renovate our house rather than purchase a different one.
Are “Rather” And “Whether” Interchangeable?
The words “rather” and “whether” are not interchangeable and should not be used that way. “Rather” should only be used when stating a preference or showing a contrast. The word “whether” should be used when stating possibilities or expressing uncertainty.
If you’re looking for words to use interchangeably with “rather” some good options include:
- Preferably
- Be inclined to
- Instead of
If you’re looking for words to use interchangeably with “whether” some good options include:
- Regardless of
- If
- Irrespective of
Is “Rather” Or “Whether” Used The Most?
Currently, the word “rather” is used more often than the word “whether.” However, for much of history, the word “whether” was the more popular one to use. Both words have been used on a consistent basis in the English Language.
The Google Ngram Viewer here shows the usage trends of the two words. As you can see, it isn’t until about the year 2009 that the word “rather” surpassed the usage of the word “whether.”
However, even though “rather” has surpassed “whether” in usage, both words are still used frequently to this day.
“Rather” And “Whether” – Usage In The UK And The US
Both the words “rather” and “whether” have trended similarly in the UK and the US throughout history. In both British English and American English, the word “rather” is currently the more frequently used of the two.
This Google Ngram Viewer shows the usage pattern of both words in American English. As you can see, “whether” was the more utilized word up until about the year 2012.
In the Google Ngram Viewer that shows British English, “rather” became the more popular word starting in about the year 1977. However, in both British and American English “whether” and “rather” are used consistently.
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1
: with better reason or more propriety : more properly
this you should pity rather than despise—
William Shakespeare
2
: more readily or willingly : preferably
would rather read than watch television
—often used interjectionally to express affirmation
3
: more correctly speaking
my father, or rather my stepfather
4
: to the contrary : instead
was no better but rather grew worse—Mark 5:26 (Revised Standard Version)
5
: in some degree : somewhat
—often used as a mild intensive
spent rather a lot of money
Phrases
the rather
archaic
: the more quickly or readily
Synonyms
Example Sentences
The movie is a comedy, but rather a dull one.
I think the children watch rather too much television.
It rather annoyed me that he was late picking me up.
Recent Examples on the Web
And writers Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni have taken a rather fearless approach.
—Evan Romano, Men’s Health, 13 Apr. 2023
The idea to take up a new event for her final collegiate season didn’t come from her but rather one of her coaches.
—Josh Reed, Anchorage Daily News, 12 Apr. 2023
There may be structures or elements in your garden that pose a physical threat to puppies who may charge around and be rather uncoordinated at first.
—Elizabeth Waddington, Treehugger, 12 Apr. 2023
Analysts don’t explicitly blame last month’s bank failures for the stricter lending conditions ahead, but rather emphasize the role banks play in facilitating commercial real estate transactions.
—Alena Botros, Fortune, 12 Apr. 2023
Several female students who were identified by detectives as partaking in the fights told investigators that the fights were not random, but rather pre-planned, the affidavit said.
—Gina Martinez, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2023
This all taps into the growing trend of creating opportunities for engaging in ritual within the home, tied not to religion but rather to reconnecting with a sense of self—an all-too-important concept as more people work from home all day, with the vast majority spent looking at screens.
—Austa Somvichian-clausen, Robb Report, 11 Apr. 2023
Visibility Visibility, or rather invisibility, is where fluoro really shines.
—Jerry Audet, Field & Stream, 11 Apr. 2023
The provision was used not to fast-track the drug’s approval, the Kaiser Family Foundation recently reported, but rather to regulate who could dispense the pills and where.
—Chloe Atkins, NBC News, 11 Apr. 2023
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These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word ‘rather.’ Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Old English hrathor, comparative of hrathe quickly; akin to Old High German rado quickly, Old English hræd quick
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of rather was
before the 12th century
Dictionary Entries Near rather
Cite this Entry
“Rather.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rather. Accessed 14 Apr. 2023.
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Last Updated:
14 Apr 2023
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
rather
used as adverb of degree
Rather means ‘to a small extent’.
You can use rather in front of like when you are using like as a preposition.
This animal looks and behaves
rather like
a squirrel.
She imagined a life rather like that of the Kennedys.
Rather in this sense is mainly used in writing. In conversation you would normally use a bit.
It tastes a bit like a tomato.
Several words and expressions can be used to say that something is the case to a smaller or greater extent.
Adverbs and adverbials (for a graded list of words used to indicate degree)
Rather is also used to soften the effect of the word or expression that follows it. For example, if someone asks you to do something, you might say ‘I’m rather busy’. You mean that you are busy, but rather makes your reply seem more polite.
I’m
rather
puzzled by this question.
He did it rather badly.
Rather is more common in British than American English in the above senses.
‘would rather’
If you say that you would rather do something, you mean that you would prefer to do it. In speech, would rather is usually contracted to ‘d rather. If you write down what someone says, you usually write ‘d rather.
I’ll order tea. Or perhaps you
‘d rather have
coffee.
‘What was all that about?’ – ‘I’m sorry, I
‘d rather not say
.’
In sentences like these you use an infinitive without to after would rather.
You can also use would rather followed by a clause to say that you would prefer something to happen or be done. In the clause you use the past simple.
you
rather
she
came
to see me?
‘May I go on?’ – ‘I
’d rather
you
didn’t.’
‘rather than’
Rather than is used to link words or expressions of the same type. You use rather than when you have said what is true and you want to compare it with what is not true.
I have used familiar English names rather than scientific Latin ones.
It made him frightened rather than angry.
correcting a mistake
You can also use rather when you are correcting a mistake you have made, or when you think of a better word than the one you have just used.
There’d been a message, or rather a series of messages, on Dalziel’s answering machine.
rather, what it was.
‘rather‘ also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
Данное английское наречие служит для выражения степени следующих непосредственно за ним прочих наречий или имен прилагательных. В таких ситуациях оно переводится на русский язык как «достаточно» или «довольно». Это наречие может употребляться для передачи положительных оттенков значения, но в первую очередь используется для передачи отрицательных. Синонимом “rather” исключительно для передачи оттенков положительного характера выступает наречие “quite”. В подавляющем большинстве случаев речевого употребления данные наречия взаимозаменяемы, например:
- — Jane`s report was rather interesting. – Отчет Джейн был достаточно интересным (положительная оценка в сочетании с прилагательным).
- — The test was finished rather quickly. – Испытание было завершено довольно быстро (положительная оценка в сочетании с наречием).
По сравнению с синонимичным наречием “fairly” наречие “rather” наделено большей оттеночной силой. Сильнее его выражает описываемое значение лишь «очень» — “very”, например:
- — Jack goes to the swimming-pool fairly often. – Джек частенько ходит в бассейн.
- — Jack goes to the swimming-pool rather often. – Джек довольно часто ходит в бассейн.
- — Jack goes to the swimming-pool very often. – Джек очень часто ходит в бассейн.
Отличием “rather” от других синонимичных наречий выступает тот факт, что оно может использоваться с именами существительными, например:
- — It was rather a problem. – Это представляло собой определенную проблему.
Для наречия “rather” также характерно употребление с рядом английских глаголов, например:
- — I rather love them. – Я в определенной степени люблю их.
Наречие “rather” может быть использовано для выражения какого-либо предпочтения в рамках сравнительных конструкций. В таких конструкциях могут сравниваться два или более имени существительных, имени прилагательных или наречия и союз «чем» — “than”, например:
- — Rather Sarah than John! – Лучше Сара, чем Джон!
- — Let`s read books rather than newspapers! – Давайте лучше почитаем книги, чем газеты!
В случаях, если первая часть сравнительных конструкций представлена инфинитивами с частичкой “to”, данный инфинитив обычно используется без этой частички и после “rather than”. В описываемых ситуациях можно также употреблять глагольные формы с окончанием –ing, например:
- — Mary wanted rather to speak to her sister than keep silent. – Мэри захотела лучше поговорить со своей сестрой, чем промолчать.
В английском языке имеется также конструкция “would rather”, которая переводится на русский «предпочитать», «хотеть» и пр. Данная конструкция синонимична другой английской конструкции – “would prefer to”, например:
- — Jane would rather sleep now. = Jane would prefer to sleep now. – Джейн бы предпочла сейчас лечь спать.
- — Would she rather stay at the hotel or by Mary? = Would she prefer to stay at the hotel or by Mary? – Она бы предпочла остановиться в гостинице или у Мэри?
Рассматриваемая конструкция может быть также использована для того, чтобы выразить какое-то пожелание по поводу того, как человек предпочел бы, чтобы другой человек что-либо сделал. В таких ситуациях глаголы всегда ставятся в формы прошедшего времени, например:
- — Don`t drive today, I can do it. I would rather you drive in the mountains tomorrow. (= I would prefer you to drive in the mountains tomorrow). – Не езди сегодня за рулем, я могу это сделать. Я бы предпочла, чтобы ты вел машину завтра на горной дороге.
Чтобы выразить произошедшие действия, может быть использован глагол во временной форме Past Perfect, например:
- — We would rather they hadn`t written this letter. – Мы бы хотели, чтобы они не написали это письмо (= чтобы это письмо не было ими написано).
Упражнение на «fairly, rather или quite»