Pronunciation: [wˈʊdz sˈuːnə] (IPA) 
The phrase "woulds sooner" has an unusual spelling due to the fact that it is a contraction of the phrase "would rather". The phonetic transcription of this phrase in IPA is /wʊdz ˈsʊnə/. The contraction "woulds" represents the /wʊdz/ sound of "would" followed by the /s/ sound of "sooner". This phrase is common in informal speech, and is often used to express a preference for one option over another.
"Would sooner" is a phrase used to express a preference or inclination towards doing something in a particular way or at a particular time, often implying a strong desire or willingness. It indicates a decision to choose one option over another or perform an action promptly, with a sense of urgency or personal inclination.
The phrase typically employs the modal verb "would" in combination with the adverb "sooner", which means within a shorter period or a preferred time frame. When used together, it creates a strong statement about a person's clear preference or prioritization.
For instance, someone might say, "I would sooner clean the entire house myself than ask for help." This implies that the person strongly prefers undertaking the task alone, highlighting their reluctance to seek assistance.
Similarly, another example could be, "He would sooner quit his job than work under such conditions." Here, "would sooner" emphasizes the individual's strong aversion towards the working conditions, suggesting that they would choose quitting over enduring an undesirable situation.
In summary, "would sooner" is a phrase used to express a strong preference or inclination towards a specific action or choice, often indicating a firm determination to adopt one option over another or fulfill a task promptly.
The phrase "would sooner" is not a compound word or a distinct word itself – rather, it is an idiomatic expression comprised of the modal verb "would" and the adverb "sooner".
The etymology of "would" originates from the Old English word "wolde", which is the past tense of "willan", meaning "to want" or "to wish". Over time, "wolde" developed into "would", acquiring various grammatical functions, including expressing conditional or hypothetical actions, desires, or intentions.
The adverb "sooner" traces its origins to the Old English word "sona", meaning "immediately" or "at once". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic "suniz", which carries the same sense.
When combined, "would sooner" is used to express a preference for one action over another, implying a stronger desire or inclination towards the preferred option.
