Had better
Definition
Had better gives strong advice or a warning about a present or future situation. It often implies that an undesirable consequence may follow if the advice is ignored. The form is had better + base verb.
subject + had better + base verb
Examples
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You had better leave now.
The speaker strongly advises leaving now, probably because delay could cause a problem.
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We had better check the figures again.
The advice concerns a particular present situation.
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She had better not mention the surprise.
The negative form places not after better.
Had better vs. should
You should back up your files regularly.
Should gives ordinary advice that may apply repeatedly.
You had better back up this file before restarting.
Had better suggests an immediate risk if the advice is ignored.
Had better is usually stronger and more situation-specific than should.
The form looks past but usually refers to now or later
The word had is fixed inside this expression. It does not normally make the advice past, and it does not change for different subjects.
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I had better call them tonight.
The action is future even though the expression contains had.
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They had better be careful.
The same form is used with a plural subject.
Common mistakes
You had better to leave now.
You had better leave now.
Had better is followed by the base verb without to.
She better had not say anything.
She had better not say anything.
The standard order is had better not + base verb.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly gives strong situational advice?
The structure is had better + base verb.Which negative form is correct?
Place not after better, followed by the base verb.Which sentence most clearly implies a possible bad consequence?
Had better suggests that failing to save may cause a problem.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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