Do you speak English

[JCoutureJunkie]

Hey,amk933 just meant to ask you whether you can help me out...I really find it hard to build up(and most importantly to get the idea of) sentences with 'would rather' and 'had beter'
Thanks in advance!
btw Will you drop by to...'get together' before leaving for the Emirates?You haven't paid me a visit for quite a long time now.You can also bring Hilary_ (but it's optional) We know how to have a great time,don't we?

I am so busy that I will have to turn down the invitation.

What the hell did I just do...

Anyway. Would rather is more like prefer, whereas had better is much more similar to should.
Let's look at the following sentences:
I would rather throw a party than go to school. This means that I prefer to throw a party, not that I ought to...
But if the doctor says: You had better stay at home until you fully recover. This means that you should. It is not a matter of the doctor's preference - it is a recommendation.

You can also use had better to warn somebody of something:
E.g. You had better watch the way you talk to me! This is a warning. If you say that you will most probably be angry and you will be telling someone not to talk to you any more like this.

Tell me what particularly confuses you since the two constructions are quite different in meaning. Is it the way they form sentences?

Who am I supposed to invite over now?I'm so stressed out and I really need someone to take my mind off things.Let's admit it,nobody can do it better than you I was so partied out the last time we met Promise me you'll come along soon !
Thanks for your help.I think everything is clear to me now.
Off to watch Comedians.Will be back in a while!