Talk:had better
Usage note[edit]
"Had better" also means if you don't do it, there will be a negative consequence. I think this should be in the usage notes. --Bluesoju (talk) 23:36, 1 November 2015 (UTC)
etymology[edit]
Since had (not) + infinitive deviates from the normal syntax, a brief note about its formation would improve the entry --Backinstadiums (talk) 22:53, 23 July 2019 (UTC)
Past[edit]
You form the past by using should have or ought to have: She should have asked for some help. https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/ought-to
--Backinstadiums (talk) 20:51, 18 November 2020 (UTC)
Not used to express prohibition or lack of obligation[edit]
Had better can only be used to express obligation. It is not used to express prohibition or lack of obligation https://www.eltconcourse.com/training/inservice/functions/obligation.html JMGN (talk) 16:13, 14 August 2023 (UTC)
- The form cannot be used for obligation although its use by someone in authority often implies obligation rather than advice.
- https://www.eltconcourse.com/training/inservice/modality/central_modal_verbs.html JMGN (talk) 22:19, 21 August 2023 (UTC)
Usage note: the advice meaning is only for specific situations[edit]
The advice meaning only for specific situations, compare
You’d better not listen to him You should / *'d better not listen to bad advice
Therefore, hopes and warnings are usually for the near future:
You had better finish that soon He had better arrive in the next day or so or he'll be too late
https://www.eltconcourse.com/training/inservice/modality/central_modal_verbs.html
JMGN (talk) 08:13, 19 October 2023 (UTC)