Particular use /Rather

Particular use /Rather
Message from rainbowstar posted on 24-12-2014 at 03:20:05 (D | E | F)
Hello everybody !

I would like you to help me get the use of "rather" in this dialogue below:
Mandarin: The citizens of Shuggazoom cower, tremble in our presence. We have the power primate, we are meant for
a great purpose.
Chiro looks at Mandarin angrily
Mandarin: You are angry but you know I speak the truth. Why be their servant when you can rule them all ?
Chiro: Rule over Shuggazoom ?
Mandarin: Or would you rather the Skeleton King did ?

Is "rather" the same as the verb "prefer" here ? If so, why did Mandarin use "did" behind ?
Thank you in advance for your help.

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Edited by lucile83 on 24-12-2014 08:37

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Re: Particular use /Rather from willy, posted on 24-12-2014 at 11:43:17 (D | E)
Hello,

Let me give you an example:
- Do you mind if I smoke?
- I'd rather you didn't!
"did" is used to avoid repeating the verb "smoke".
When you'd like somebody else to do something, you can say for example:
'I'd/would rather you went out at once'
'Would you rather I did? Really?'

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Re: Particular use /Rather from rainbowstar, posted on 24-12-2014 at 20:09:17 (D | E)
Understood. Thanks for your explanation

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