I'd. Usage and meaning

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diplomacy

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I'd rather you explained to her why we can't go.

I have two questions on the above sentence.

1/ Is I'd I had?

2/ in which situation we should use this sentence?
 

SoothingDave

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1. No, it means "I would."
2. When you would rather have someone explain to her why you can't go.
 

diplomacy

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1. No, it means "I would."
2. When you would rather have someone explain to her why you can't go.

Thanks a lot.

What I know is after would the verb is an infinitive verb .however the above sentence doesn't match with that why?
 

cereal_chick

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"I'd" means either "I would" or "I had", the latter only when being used to form the pluperfect. (I use it to mean both as a BrE speaker)

And what do you mean the above sentence doesn't "match with" the rule that a modal most times must be followed by an infinitive? "You would rather have" But I think that example is not the best. Here are some more:
I'd (would) go with you, but I have to do my homework.
I'd (had) forgotten to tell her I was cleaning the car.

[Not a teacher]
 
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