A low torch battery or the last two seats creates a particular reason to act. Had better gives strong advice about now or the future, often suggesting a problem if the advice is ignored.

The idea

Use had better + base verb with every subject; 'd better contracts had better. Put not after better: had better not lean. Questions invert had and the subject; negative questions such as Hadn't we better ...? are especially common.

Examples

  • I'd better charge the torch before our evening walk.
  • You'd better not lean against that wall; the paint is wet.
  • We'd better book now; only two seats are left.
  • I had better save a copy before changing the document.
  • Hadn't we better ask the owner first?
  • You'd better bring your key, or you won't get in.

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Watch out

The word had does not make this past advice. Do not use have better, would better or better to in this construction. You'd better can sound like a warning or threat, depending on context and tone; it is not a neutral way to express a preference.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. I ___ better charge the torch. (had / would)

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    had

    In I'd better, 'd means had, not would. The advice concerns the present or future.

  2. Choose the correct option. You'd better ___ against that wall. (not lean / not to lean)

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    not lean

    The negative pattern is had better not + base verb: not lean, without to.

  3. Choose the correct option. We'd better ___ now. (book / booked)

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    book

    After had better, use the base form book. The word had does not require booked.

Use it today

Give advice about an almost empty battery, wet paint and a nearly full event. State the possible unwanted result for each. Use had better not in one sentence and expand I'd as I had.