HAD BETTER

Form of had better [had better + verb] Examples: You had better quit smoking or you'll die. You are coughing loudly. You had better see a doctor. I am overeating. I had better go on a diet. It's late! You had better hurry up. Jim has been absent 3 times. He'd better show up today. We had better leave early if we don't want to be stuck in traffic.

Usage "Had better" is most commonly used to make recommendations. We use “had better” plus the base form of the verb to give advice. We use “had better” to give advice about the present or future. It can also be used to express desperate hope as well as warn people. Examples: You had better take your umbrella with you today. (recommendation) That bus had better get here soon! (desperate hope) You had better watch the way you talk to me in the future! (warning)

Negative form The negative form is “had better not”. You'd better not say anything. I'd better not come late. We'd better not miss the start of her presentation.

Give advice We use “had better” to give advice about specific situations, not general ones. If you want to talk about general situations, you must use “should”. Examples: You'd better tell Samantha everything. I'd better get back to work. We'd better meet early. You should brush your teeth before you go to bed. I shouldn't listen to negative people. He should dress more appropriately for the office.

Suggestions However, when we use “had better” there is a suggestion that if the advice is not followed, that something bad will happen. Examples: You'd better do what I say or else you will get into trouble. I'd better get back to work or my boss will be angry with me. We'd better get to the airport by five or else we may miss the flight.