Which word best completes the sentence to express a preference: They would rather go by train ______ fly?

Which word best completes the sentence to express a preference: They would rather go by train ______ fly?

• A. when
• B. than
• C. before
• D. if

Answer: (B)

This tests how we express a clear preference using would rather. After would rather, we use the base form of the verb, and we link the two options with than to show the contrast between them. In this sentence, the speaker prefers traveling by train to flying, so the word that fits is than, connecting “go by train” with the alternative “fly.” The other options don’t create a proper contrast: when refers to time, before also signals timing, and if introduces a condition. So than is the natural connector to express the comparison of two possible actions.

This tests how we express a clear preference using would rather. After would rather, we use the base form of the verb, and we link the two options with than to show the contrast between them. In this sentence, the speaker prefers traveling by train to flying, so the word that fits is than, connecting “go by train” with the alternative “fly.” The other options don’t create a proper contrast: when refers to time, before also signals timing, and if introduces a condition. So than is the natural connector to express the comparison of two possible actions.