grammar · neutral

had better + base verb

Band 7+speakingtask2

'Had better + base verb' gives strong advice or a warning, implying negative consequences if the advice is not followed.

Examples

“You had better lock the door when you leave.”

“He had better study for the exam if he wants to pass.”

“We had better call ahead to reserve seats.”

Band 8 sentence

“Given the storm forecast and the fragile cargo, they had better postpone the shipment to avoid substantial losses.”

Collocations

  • had better + V (negative: had better not + V)
  • often used with threat/consequence

Common mistakes

You had better to apologise to her.→You had better apologise to her.

He has better go now.→He had better go now.

Say it for a higher band

5have to + V→6should + V→7+had better + base verb

Synonyms

should

Easily confused

should + base verb

“You should save money for emergencies.”

Related words

have / has + past participlesubject + V(s) (simple present)be about to + base verbbe + V-ingso + adjective/adverb + that + clauseIf + present perfect, will + base verbNot only + clause, but also + clausewill have been + V-ing

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In Tenses

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