Had better

Had better refers to the immediate future. It is followed by an infinitive without to. It is a strong advice. We use it to tell people what to do.

• You had better consult a doctor.
  
• You had better apologize.
  
• We had better hurry up. We are already late.
  

Had better sometimes suggests a threat and is not used in polite requests.

• You had better tell them soon. If you don't, there will be trouble.
  
• You had better mend your ways.
  

To make negative forms, we put not between had better and infinitive.

• You had better not irritate him.
  

Sections in this article

Phrases
Prepositional phrases
Appositives
Verbal phrases
Participle phrases
Infinitive phrases
Gerund phrases
Adjective clauses
Noun clauses
-ing Forms

See Also

Exclamations
Exclamations exercise
Exclamations: common errors
Common mistakes with pronouns - Part 2
Common errors with adjectives - part 1
Common errors with adjectives - part 2