A) We use rather as an adverb of degree:
Modifying an adjective:
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The film was rather good.
Modifying an adverb:
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It happened rather quickly.
Notes:
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It is stronger than fairly, but not as strong as very.
- It can modify a noun, often coming before the article:
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It's rather a problem.
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It can modify some verbs: I rather like it.
B) To express preference
Rather than:
Rather than is normally used to compare parallel structures:
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Let's take the train rather than the bus.
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Rather you than me!
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I decided to write rather than email.
Would rather:
Would rather + infinitive without 'to':
Would rather + pronoun + past tense:
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I'd rather he came early.
