had better > (I’d better / you’d better etc.)

  • I’d better do something = it is advisable to do it. If I don’t do it, there will be a problem or a danger:
  • Had is normally past, but we use had better for the present or future, not past.
  • The negative is I’d better not (= I had better not):
  • We say ‘I’d better do’ (not to do).

Structure of Sentences

  • Affirmative:
    Subject + had better + verb (infinitive without “to”)
    Example: You had better study for the exam.
    (É melhor você estudar para a prova.)
  • Negative:
    Subject + had better not + verb (infinitive without “to”)
    Example: You had better not forget your wallet.
  • Questions:
    Though less common, “had better” can be used in questions with inversion:
    Example: Hadn’t we better leave now?
    (Não seria melhor irmos agora?)

When to use “Had Better“?

  1. To give strong advice or recommendations:
    Example: You had better call her before she gets upset.
  2. To warn about negative consequences:
    Example: He had better apologize, or she won’t forgive him.
  3. To suggest urgency:
    Example: We had better leave now; the bus is coming.

Comparison with “Should“

“Had Better“: Stronger and implies negative consequences if not followed.
Example: You had better wear a coat. It’s freezing outside.

“Should” : Weaker and generally used for general advice.
Example: You should wear a coat. It might be cold outside.

  1. You‘d better finish your homework before going out.
  2. She‘d better not be late to the meeting.
  3. We‘d better leave now if we want to catch the bus.
  4. He‘d better call his mom; she’s worried.
  5. I’d better take an umbrella; it looks like rain.
  6. They‘d better bring their tickets to avoid problems.
  7. You‘d better not forget her birthday.
  8. I’d better stay home and rest today.
  9. She’d better not forget her keys again.
  10. He’d better start studying if he wants to pass the exam.
  11. We’d better hurry; the show starts soon.
  12. You had better arrive on time for the meeting.
  13. We had better check the weather before planning the trip.
  14. She had better tell him the truth.
  15. He had better be careful with his words.
  16. John had better call the police.
  17. The teacher had better explain the lesson more clearly.
  18. The team had better practice more if they want to win the game.
  19. The drivers had better slow down in this area due to construction.
  20. The police had better investigate this case thoroughly.
  21. The employees had better respect the new office rules.

Questions (rare, but possible):

  1. Hadn’t we better leave before the storm starts?
    (Não seria melhor irmos antes que a tempestade comece?)
  2. Hadn’t you better tell her the truth?
  3. Hadn’t you better bring a jacket? It looks cold outside.
  4. Hadn’t she better talk to her boss about the issue?
  5. Hadn’t you better apologize to her? She’s upset.
  6. Hadn’t we better leave now if we want to avoid traffic?

Exercises:

Crosswords – Had better + Vocabulary
Combinação – Had better + Vocabulary