"rather" vs "rather than"

Question

"rather" vs "rather than"

Both 'rather' and 'rather than' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Rather' is used to indicate preference or choice, while 'rather than' is used to show a comparison or contrast between two things.

Last Updated: March 25, 2024

Use 'rather' when expressing a preference or choice, such as 'I would rather stay home than go out.'

Examples:

I would rather have tea than coffee.
She would rather read a book than watch TV.
He'd rather walk than take the bus.
They would rather eat at home than go to a restaurant.
Would you rather go to the beach or the mountains?

Alternatives:

prefer
choose
opt for

Use 'rather than' when comparing or contrasting two options, such as 'I prefer tea rather than coffee.'

Examples:

I prefer tea rather than coffee.
She chose to stay in rather than go out.
He opted for the red shirt rather than the blue one.
They decided to walk rather than take the bus.
I would eat at home rather than go to a restaurant.

Alternatives:

instead of
in place of
as opposed to

Answer 1

rather

The word 'rather' is correct and commonly used in English to indicate preference or choice.

Answer 2

rather than

'Rather than' is also correct and is used to show a comparison or contrast between two things.

"rather" vs "rather than"

rather

rather than

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