How to use 'had better' in English? Grammar explanation for 'had better'.
"Had better" is an English expression used to give advice or suggestions. Its usage is similar to 'should', but there is a slight difference in nuance. 'Had better', unlike 'should', implies that there could be negative consequences if the advice is not followed.
Structure
Olumlu: Subject + had better + base form of the verb
You had better come early.
Olumsuz: Subject + had better + not + base form of verb
You had better not be late.
Soru: Had + subject + better + base form of verb
Had you better leave early?
In spoken English and informal language, "had" is often shortened to "’d".
You’d better study for the exam.
Usage
The phrase 'had better' is used to indicate strong advice, suggestion or warning. It implies that a problem or negative consequence may occur if the advice is not followed.
He’d better apologize to her.
They’d better leave early to avoid traffic.
You had better not tell anyone about this.
You’d better lock the door when you leave.
We’d better leave now, or we’ll miss the train.
You’d better take an umbrella; it looks like rain.
He had better finish his homework before dinner.
Although "had" is used, it indicates a present or future situation.
You’d better study for the test tomorrow.
You’d better stop talking now; the teacher is looking at us.
'Had better' is used to give advice in a specific situation. 'Be better + to-infinitive' or 'be best + to-infinitive' is used for more general suggestions.
You had better study for the test.
(If you do not study, you may face serious consequences such as failing the exam.)
It would be better to study for the test.
(Studying in general is good, but if you don't study, there is no serious consequence.)
Negative questions with 'had better' are used more than affirmative questions.
Hadn’t you better talk to your manager about this?
Hadn’t you better call her back before it’s too late?
Do not use "to" after "had better".
✗ You had better to go.
✓ You had better go.