Study the information about expressing preferences.
  
1. We use would rather and would sooner in exactly the same way to express preference.

We can refer to the present or the future.
 
I’d rather/I’d sooner be an accountant than an artist.
  
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2. We can refer to the past.

If I could choose again, I’d rather/sooner have been a postman than a builder.
 
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3. We use the past perfect form after I’d rather to refer to past time.

I’d rather have been present.
I’d rather you had been present.
 
4. You can omit the main part of the verb in short responses.

Frank is going to buy a new coffee machine. - I’d rather he didn’t. (negative response)
  
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Sam won’t give up his present job. - I’d rather he did.