英文中would rather 后面的动词一定是过去式吗？

不一定
would rather sb. did(这个一定要用过去式,是虚拟语气)
其他情况就是要加原形了
would rather do than do 宁愿做...而不...
would rather do 宁愿做....

would rather+动词原形，是英语中常见的一个惯用句式（美国英语中多用had rather）。

’d rather为would（或had）rather的缩写形式。

would (had)在此决无“过去”之意，且无词性、时态变化，它是一个情态助动词。该句式常用来表示选择的意愿，意谓“宁可……”、“宁愿……”、“最好……”。

1. I would rather fail than cheat in the examination.
我宁愿考不及格，也不愿意考试作弊。

2. I would rather stay at home.
我宁可呆在家里。

3. They would rather go fishing than stay at home.
他们宁愿去钓鱼，也不愿待在家里。

怎么和prefer 一样