What's the meaning of the sentence?

The speaker is saying that he prefers that he and his group wait until tomorrow.

“I’d rather we” for instance usually means "I prefer that you and I"

The more polite English speakers want to be, the wordier they get, Smarty.

If it wouldn't be too much bother, I'd rather ...

I was wondering if you would be willing to consider ... .,


It's best for you to view these as collections of politeness, deference, etc, than trying to figure out their broken down meaning.

They want to do whatever the situation fits the following day. Say you said, I would like to speak with you. If they were to reply with that, it means they want to speak with you tomorrow.

I would rather wait.
I would rather (that) we wait, you and I.
I'd rather wait until tomorrow.
I'd rather we wait until tomorrow.

Hello, Smarty:

May I add my comments to the excellent answers from the other members?

I checked one of my favorite books *** and found this:

"We can use 'would rather' to say that one person would prefer another ... to do something. We use a special structure with a past tense."

WOULD RATHER + SUBJECT + PAST TENSE

Here is one example from that book:

"I would rather you came next weekend."

*** The book says that "a present tense is sometimes used in this structure, but this is unusual."

THEREFORE:

I guess that some teachers would prefer that your sentence read:

I would rather that we waitED until tomorrow.


James


*** You may already have this book. It is extremely popular with both students and teachers: Practical English Usage by Mr. Michael Swan. (I have the 1995 edition.)

I'm not sure how unusual, it is, James, to use a present tense FORM. Using a past tense FORM is more deferential, softer, less assuming. But there are times when people want to be more direct.

Obviously 'would rather' is, overall, a more deferential form than a more direct, say, 'want', so it seems intuitive that it would tend towards past tense FORM use.

Google Advanced exact phrase search [no region specified]

"I'd rather we don't"
About 14,600,000 results

"i'd rather we didn't"
About 8,890,000 results

"I would rather we didn't"
About 6,320,000 results

Thank you for your note.

That was Mr. Swan's opinion. You are very right: many native speakers use the present tense.

James

Michael Swan, James?

Yes. I referenced his name and book in my first post.

James

I see that now.

No problem!


James

I don't think it is a present tense. I think it's a subjunctive.

But I may be mistaken.

I believe that you are spot-on (a Britishism that I really like!). I know that I am being very bold, but I am guessing that Mr. Swan used the term "present tense" in order not to confuse his readers too much. As you know, he keeps grammatical terminology to a minimum. I really like his book, but since I also like terminology, his book does fail me in that respect.

James

Thank you. I would only add, if it's terminology you like, some of our contributors here will doubtless supply you with plenty of that.


My approach to English is as an enthusiastic user only, and not from any deep theoretical knowledge.
(Which can get in the way sometimes, the theory I mean!)

I look forward to learning many things from other members such as you.

For example, you reminded me that the term "subjunctive" was more appropriate in that context. Thank you for pointing that out.

James

Interesting and possibly, a very astute observation, McTag. If you're correct, that would make it a present tense FORM.

Please continue with your thoughts.

The subjunctive is one murky pool in which I am loth to paddle.
It's like the integration symbol in your math book. It's a signal to turn the page.

I feel much the same way, Mac, since my nephrologist recently remarked in passing, oh by the way Dale you have just five more years