The expression had better in the English language

We have already talked about the structures in the English language, which can transmit the following meaning: «I would have done something, we’d better do something, I would prefer, and so on.» These are the terms I would rather / I would sooner / I prefer. Expression, considered in this article, too, could be related to the group mentioned above, since they are close in value, but still different. When we use the combination had better, and what does it mean?

The use of the expression had better in the English language

Had better, in this form — past tense — is a synonym for the modal verb should. In principle, between phrases Had better do something and you can should do something to put an equal sign. They both express the advice that anyone need or want to do something. But in the case had better, this recommendation is very persistent, because if you do not do what you want to happen something bad or unpleasant. We should not have a negative connotation. Should a positive sense of simple tips to take anything.

Note that the expression had better in English consistently. Despite the fact that we have a grammatical form of the past tense, the action will relate to the present or the future, not the past. Reduction is the combination had better _ ‘d better, which is located on the site of space required pronoun. To consolidate information on how the expression had better in the English language, you need to see it in reality, that is, on the illustrative examples.

1. Someone felt unwell. You say: You’d better sit down (would you have sat down, you’d better sit down) — or lose consciousness.
2. You were going to the movies, but missed the last bus. A friend advises: You’d better take a taxi (You’d better take a taxi) — otherwise be late for a session.
3. My mother had just cut myself. You insist: You’d better put a plaster on it (You better seal the wound with a Band-Aid) — otherwise it will continue to bleed.
4. I need to meet her husband after 10 minutes. I tell myself: I’d better go now or I’ll be late (It is better to go now, but it’ll be late) — and we quarrel.
5. We’re going by car, petrol ends. The driver said: We’d better stop for petrol soon as the tank is almost empty (we will soon need a refill because the tank is nearly empty) — or more will not go anywhere.
6. I’d better go to the bank this afternoon. — I’m better I’ll go to the bank today at lunch.
7. You’d better consult a doctor. — You go to the doctor, it is desirable.
8. You’d better lend me some money. — You’d better lend me money.

In the negative form of expression had better in the English language has a form — had better not (_ ‘d better not).

You’d better not go to work today as you do not look very well. — You would now not go to work, you do not look.

We’d better not miss the start of the conference. — We would not miss the start of the conference.

You’d better not be late. — Do not be late (You’d better not be late).

And the last small detail, which will help determine the choice — what expression to use, had better, or should? Remember that the first takes place in specific situations, and the second — in a general sense. Exceptions to this rule are, but very rarely. For example:

You should brush your teeth before you go to bed. — You should brush your teeth at night. (general recommendation)

I’d better get back to work or my boss will be angry with me. — I’d better get back to work, or the chief angry. (specific situation)

I think all drivers should wear seat-belts. — I think all drivers should wear seat belts. (general recommendation)

It’s cold today. You’d better wear a coat when you go out. — It is cold today. When you go somewhere else, put on a coat. (specific situation)

 

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Grammar