would not rather

[aysaa]

Hi,

1. I would rather not have an apple = I prefer not to have an apple. (It is OK)

2. I wouldn't rather have an apple = the meaning is I don't prefer to have an apple. (Is it OK?)

3. I wish it was Friday. (It is OK)

4. I would rather it was Friday. (Is it OK?)

Can I use the fourth one instead of the third and how about the second one?

Thanks.

 

[englishhobby]

As I am not a native speaker, I'll reply with an extract from "Practical English Usage" by Mike Swan:

The negative <for would rather> is would rather not.
I'd rather not go out tonight. (NOT I wouldn't rather...)

So, 2) is wrong.

We can use would rather to say that a person would prefer somebody to do something.
I'd rather you went home now.

So 4) is wrong too.

 

[emsr2d2]

You could use #4 in the following context:

- So is it OK for us to have the meeting on Thursday?
- I would rather it was Friday. I'm really busy Thursday.

 

[aysaa]

Thanks for the answer, it was great!

Can I apply the same usage with 'would' instead of 'was' ? And what about the second sentence I have asked? Is that OK?

- So is it OK for us to have the meeting on Thursday?
- I wish it would be Friday. I'm really busy Thursday.

Thanks again.

 

[emsr2d2]

Thanks for the answer, it was great!

Can I apply the same usage with 'would' instead of 'was' ? And what about the second sentence I have asked? Is that OK?

- So is it OK for us to have the meeting on Thursday?
- I wish it would be Friday. I'm really busy Thursday.

Thanks again.

No, not with "I wish".

I wish it was Friday. I'm really busy Thursday.
I was hoping it could be/might be/would be Friday. I'm really ...