Formula of rejection

[Tamara]

Could you explain the difference (or give some examples to clear it) for:

1. I had rather not…
2. I would rather not…

The second question is:

When you meet I'd rather not which of the above two you guess/suppose?

Tamara
_________________
It’s impossible to learn swimming without entering the water…

[Alan]

hi Tamara,

Back to the old can of worms, is it then? You asked;

[Tamara]

Hi Alan

Thank you.

Yes, that’s a thing from that can…

(And, note, I didn’t and don’t ask a word about ‘I should rather’ : ) Nor, even more so, whether ‘I shouldn’t rather’ is possible, somewhere.)

Going back to the worm...

[Alan]

Hi Tamara,

I can only say that when I hear a sentence beginning: I had rather, I anticipate a past action. Your example:

[Tamara]

Thanks a lot, Alan.

OK.
For me your opinion is quite enough (= fully, entirely, completely ) and I’ll never use 'had rather not' for the present-future.

P.S. Alan, you’re the first (for me) who said Madam Google (I usually see 'Mr. Google').


P.P.S.