Had better VS should?
Andrew Campbell
Updated on February 28, 2026
Supposed to refers to what other people think is right, while should expresses what you think is right. Had better expresses the idea that something bad will happen if you don't do what I say. This is why had better can also be used to make threats or give someone a warning.
When to use should and had better?
The past tense of should is should have + past participle. Had better is similar, but it's used for more urgent advice with bad consequences if you don't follow it (eg. You had better quit smoking or you'll die).Had better means should?
Had better: form and meaningWe use had better to refer to the present or the future, to talk about actions we think people should do or which are desirable in a specific situation.
Had Better Vs would better?
“I had better" = “I should” or “I ought to”. “ I would do it better if I could" is the usual use of the “would…. better" construction. It means than you would be able to do something in better way if you you were able to, or if you were given the chance to do so.What does had better not mean?
From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English had bettera) used to give advice about what someone should do, or to say what you should do or need to do I'd better go and get ready. I think you'd better ask Jo first. You had better not tell Oliver (=it is not a good idea).Difference between "should" and "had better" [ ForB English Lesson ]
What is the grammar rule for had?
Had is used with I, you, he, she, it , they , we and any singular or plural nouns in past tense. Eg : They had biryani in the dinner. Has is used with he, she , it and singular nouns in present tense.What is the had better rule?
Had better is always followed by a verb in the infinitive without 'to': You had better BE on time. You must or should be on time. Had better is ALWAYS formed from the auxiliary verb 'have' in the past simple ('has better' or 'will have better' do not exist!).Had better vs should vs ought to?
There's no difference in meaning. In both cases, the two sentences with should and ought to have the same meaning.Would better or had?
You are correct: "had better" is a strong suggestion, as in, "You'd better speak more softly." To express that idea in a gentler way, you could say: You might speak more softly. You could speak more softly. Why don't you speak a little more softly ?What is the past form of had better?
Had better + infinitive to refer to the present or future, e.g.I had better arrive earlier. Had better + perfect infinitive to refer to the past, e.g. I had better have arrived earlier yesterday. And in the table attached I see the example: I had better arrived earlier.What is the tag question of had better?
but other people think that the form of " had better " is positive , so the question tag should be "hadn't you". If the sentence is " You hadn't better go to school. the question tag should be " had you".What are examples of had?
Had Sentence Examples
- They had two adopted children already.
- She had a choice.
- Certainly she had been under a lot of stress.
- All the papers had been signed and the money provided.
- A nearby steeple had been broken off short and the fragments lay heaped beside it.
Had better or would rather?
We don't use had better when we talk about preferences. We use would rather or would prefer.Should modals example?
Should (Modals)
- Recommendation: When you go to London, you should go to the theatre. Advice: You should try to focus more on your writing skills. ...
- Present: You should do more exercise. / You shouldn't smoke. ...
- Present: Sarah should be landing now. /