1. I had rather starve to death than steal.
2. I would rather starve to death than steal.
3. I had rather starve to death.
4. I would rather starve to death.
5. I had better starve to death than steal.
6. I had better starve to death.
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Are they all grammatical and the same in meaning?
2. I would rather starve to death than steal.
"I would rather ... "
"I had better ... "
Those are the combinations to use.
Yes, all of the given sentences are grammatically correct. However, there are slight differences in meaning and usage.
1. "I had rather starve to death than steal." This sentence uses the past tense of the modal verb "have" (had) and expresses a strong preference or choice. It implies that in the past, you would have chosen starvation over theft.
2. "I would rather starve to death than steal." This is a present tense sentence using the modal verb "would." It also expresses a strong preference or choice, but in the present or future. It indicates that currently or in the future, you would choose starvation over theft.
3. "I had rather starve to death." This sentence does not include the comparison to stealing. It only expresses the preference for starving instead of engaging in alternative actions. The past tense of "have" (had) suggests that the preference was present in the past.
4. "I would rather starve to death." Similar to the previous sentence, this version expresses a preference for starvation without comparing it to any specific action. The modal verb "would" indicates a present or future preference.
5. "I had better starve to death than steal." This sentence includes a suggestion or warning, emphasizing the consequence of choosing one action over another. The past tense of "have" (had) combined with "better" adds a sense of obligation or necessity.
6. "I had better starve to death." This sentence simply states that it would be better for you to starve rather than engage in an alternative action. Again, the past tense of "have" (had) and "better" add a sense of obligation or necessity.
So, while all of these sentences convey a preference for starving over stealing, they differ in their tenses, nuances, and the inclusion of comparison to another action.