Form
Had better is used when referring to the present or the future. It is used to give strong advice, recommendations, or warnings, with implications of negative consequences if the advice is not followed.
The verb form is always had. It is never have better nor has better. In informal contexts, the contracted form is ’d better. Had better or ‘d better is then followed by a bare infinitive or the infinitive without to before it.
Example:
It’s very cloudy. We’d better go home now before it starts raining heavily.
Incorrect:We’d better to go home.
More formal example:
The government had better concentrate on coming up with measures to address some of the country’s most pressing environmental issues.
Had better can be considered a strong expression. It is used if there is an assumption that there will be negative outcomes if someone does not do what is desired or suggested.
Example:
He’d better propose to her or she’ll break up with him.
In spoken English, sometimes, had best is used instead of had better, especially in informal settings. Using had best sounds slightly less intense and less direct.
Example:
You‘d best call her. There’s so much traffic today.
Negative Form
To express had better in the negative form, we say had better not. The contracted form is ’d better not.
Examples:
You’d better not bully her online or she will file a complaint to the police.
We’d better not tell Julie she didn’t get into her dream university. This will break her heart.
Question Form
To express had better in question form, the subject and had are inverted.
Examples:
Had she better finish this task first before moving on to another?
Had they better give their new neighbors a present?
Had better in negative questions form is more common than affirmative questions.
Examples:
Hadn’t you better turn all the lights off when you leave for your vacation?
Hadn’t we better hold the party indoors in case it rains that day?
Had better or be better, be best?
Had better is used when giving advice in a specific situation. The phrase be better or be best + to-infinitive is used for more general suggestions.
Examples:
It’s always better to take the subway than to get stuck in traffic.
They think it would be best to hire a contractor rather than to do it themselves.
Had better or would rather, would prefer?
Had better is not used when talking about preferences. Would rather or would prefer is used in this case.
Had better vs Would rather
| I’d better order spaghetti. I’m allergic to seafood. | It is a good idea, better, or advisable to order spaghetti. |
| I’d rather order spaghetti. I don’t like pizza. | I prefer to order spaghetti. |
Common Errors with had better
Had better is used when giving specific advice. It is not used when talking about obligations or requirements. In this case, use have to, have got to or must.
Example:
You have to (or must) renew your passport every ten years to be able use it for traveling abroad.
Incorrect: You’d better renew your passport every ten years to be able use it for traveling abroad.
Had better is not used in making ordinary suggestions or recommendations.
Example:
Thailand is a great country to visit. I’d recommend you visit the Northern regions to have the opportunity to unwind in hot springs or scenic villages with rice fields.
Incorrect: You’d better visit the Northern regions to have the opportunity to unwind in hot springs or scenic villages with rice fields.