Comments

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  Mr. Bob September 15, 2010 2:18

  Rathanam,
  I had not really thought about this, but it is used in more than one way. Your confusion may be due to the different ways rather can be used. I rather enjoy using rather, but I think I had rather find a word that is less confusing.
  
  That sentence had the two uses of rather that I can think of. The first example is most often in the British version of English where I hear rather used in a way that Americans might use something different like, sort of or maybe kind of. So that someone might say I rather like that. In essence they are saying that they like it somewhat, so it is a medium or maybe medium strong like. You could say I kind of like that, or I sort of like that. At any rate the word rather is modifying like, but to me rather is not as strong as saying I really like that, or I especially like that (this is just my impression of the British intent when rather is used that way).
  
  So there you have one usage of rather I see on British movies and hear a few British friends say. The other usage that I am familiar with is essentially as a choice or preference. Would you rather have some of the chocolate drink or some of the tea (as an either or choice)? I would rather walk than run (as a preference for one thing above another). I had rather get paid in cash than by bank deposit. So, in these cases rather is used as a preference. That is the ways I can think of to use the word. Does that answer your question? Are you rather more confused now? ;-)
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  Rathanam September 14, 2010 2:49

  HELLO DEAR FRIENDS.
  I HAVE MORE DOUBTS THAT HOW TO USE THE WORD RATHER , I AM VERY CONFUSION TO USE IT
  PLEASE GUIDE ME TO LEARN THIS WORD
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  Lynne September 11, 2010 12:44

  

  Thank you Tanya.
  Have a great day!
  always,
  -Lynne-
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  Tanya August 28, 2010 13:03

  Dear Cindy! I rarely have spare time for talking on Skype. Sorry!
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  Tanya August 28, 2010 13:02

  Hi, Vahid! First of all, you can find some useful information about IELTS structure here:
  
  http://ielts.org/default.aspx
  
  Then, I can send you two ebooks on writing essays if you tell me your email. I can also email you some books on academic vocabulary. Reading and listening are the same as TOEFL. So, I can recommend you a few very good sites with the listening podcasts and reading tests. Well, give me your email
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  Cndycndy2000 August 18, 2010 6:46

  hey tanya,can i have a one on one speaking with you?
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  Tanya August 8, 2010 11:10

  Hi, everyone! I am on a vacation. I will answer to all your questions later.
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  Rinku Bella August 1, 2010 9:53

  Hello Tanya...I hope you can help me,so I can speak English fluently..Thank you
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  Taimor Zafari July 20, 2010 13:01

  Hi guys this taimor from Afghanistan
  where i can find the English speaking books?
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  jp singh July 1, 2010 16:07

  i am from Punjab i love English i am post graduate in English but i cannot speak and spelling mistakes are walking with me please suggest me friends. i hope u will surely help me