HAD BETTER/BETTER NOT
OBJETIVO: CONOCER LA ESTRUCTURA DEL HAD BETTER Y HAD BETTER NOT.
Had better: form and meaning
We 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. The verb form is always had, not have. We normally shorten it to ’d better in informal situations. It is followed by the infinitive without to:
It’s five o’clock. I’d better go now before the traffic gets too bad.
Not:I’d better to go now.
The democratic movement had better concentrate on the immediate issues of the economy and security. (more formal)
Had better is a strong expression. We use it if we think there will be negative results if someone does not do what is desired or suggested:
She’d better get here soon or she’ll miss the opening ceremony.
Spoken English:
Sometimes people say had best instead of had better, especially in informal speaking. This sounds slightly less strong and less direct:
You’d best leave it till Monday. There’s no one in the office today.
Had better: negative and question forms
The negative of had better is had better not (or ’d better not):
I’d better not leave my bag there. Someone might steal it.
You’d better not tell Elizabeth about the broken glass – she’ll go crazy!
The question form of had better is made by inverting the subject and had. This means the same as should, but is more formal:
Had I better speak to Joan first before I send thisform off? What do you think?
Had we better leave a note for the delivery guy to take the parcel next door?
Negative questions with had better are more common than affirmative ones:
Hadn’t we better ring the school and tell them Liam is sick?
Hadn’t you better switch your computer off? It might overheat if you leave it on.
