Question

Fill in the blank with the correct form of infinitive verb to complete the sentence:
I had rather _____ than study.

• A. played
• B. plays
• C. play
• D. to play

Answer 1

The correct option is C play

In order to fill in the blank with the most suitable form of the infinitive, we need to understand the meaning and usage of 'had rather'. 'Had rather' means the same as 'would rather', which means 'instead of' or preferring someone or something over the other. If 'had rather' is used in a passive (voice) sentence, we use the word 'to' along with the verb. In an active sentence, we do not use 'to' with the verb. The verbs without the marker 'to', are called bare infinitives.

As the given sentence is in the active voice, we will use the bare infinitive here.

Option A - 'Played' is the past form of the verb 'play'. As we need the bare infinitive (original form of the verb), we can't use 'played' here. Hence, option A is incorrect.

Option B - 'Plays' is the third person form of the verb 'play'. As we need the verb in its original form, we can't use 'plays' here. Hence, option B is incorrect.

Option D - 'To play' can't be used here as the verb in its original form with the marker 'to'. As the sentence is in the active voice, we can't use the infinitive with 'to' here. Hence, option D is incorrect.

Option C - 'Play' is a verb in its original form and is a bare infinitive. Hence, option C is the correct answer.

'I had rather play than study.'