Would you rather vs Would you rather see

Question

I saw the following sentence on a website:

Would you rather Ronaldo or Messi in your team.

This sounds weird to me, I would say: Would you rather have/see Ronaldo or Messi in your team

Is it okay to just use ''rather'' without anything behind it, because it sounds quite unnatural to my ears.

It sounds a bit odd to me, too, but as an American I would not be entirely surprised to hear a British person omit "have" or "see." Can you link to the example? — phoog, Oct 28, 2015 at 22:42
I also think on your team is much more appropriate than in — Jim, Oct 28, 2015 at 22:56
I wouldn't say it's a common construction in the US, but it's not unknown and would be easily understood (and not a red flag for "illiterate") when used in a reasonable context. Has a British sense to it -- best said with the pinkie finger elevated. — Hot Licks, Oct 28, 2015 at 23:00
I'm not much of a soccer player but I can hear both versions as correct. The more authentic for me is in. When these things mattered to me I was always hoping to be in the best team. — Dan, Oct 28, 2015 at 23:03
@phoog It was on Mirror Football's facebook page, I believe it's from the UK. Anyways, thanks for the replies. It's clear to me now — Milo, Oct 28, 2015 at 23:09

Dan · Accepted Answer · 2015-10-28 22:52:05Z

5

This is quite a common, informal usage (UK) where the (obvious) verb is simply not spoken.

(Question from a busy canteen server) Would you rather coffee or tea ?

Clearly the context must be clear and the missing verb obvious.

answered Oct 28, 2015 at 22:46

Dan

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I'm British and I've never heard this usage.
– chasly - supports Monica
Oct 28, 2015 at 23:24

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