L-Parameter: Markers for Preference (PREFER)

From Contribution: Adverbial subordinators in European languages

'rather than p, q': of two alternatively possible events/activities p and q, q is preferred (by the generally volitional subject referents) and renders p unnecessary or improbable (e.g. Rather than go there by plane, I would take the slowest train; She will use the telephone before she will write a letter.)