Meaning
We use had better to refer to the present or the future, to suggest something is better or advisable. Although ‘had’ is the past form of ‘have’, we use ‘had better’ to give advice about the present or future.
Today’s Sentences
- I think we’d better wait.
- I think we’d better try harder.
- I think we’d better give up.
- I think we’d better change the subject.
- I think we’d better eat more vegetables.
- Writer’s Note
01
I think we’d better wait.
Situation 1
The cake shop is busy today.
I think we’d better wait, there’s a line in front.
I’ve never seen it this busy.
Business seems good.
Situation 2
How long did they say it would take?
For battery replacements they say 30 minutes.
I think we’d better wait.
Yes, let’s wait and then go for lunch after.
02
I think we’d better try harder.
Situation 1
You’ve been late to practice every day this week.
Sorry coach.
Punctuality is just as important as discipline and respect.
I think we’d better try harder.
I’ll try to be at practice on time.
Situation 2
Our IVF cycle failed this time.
It’s ok.
Let’s try another round.
I think we’d better try harder.
Having a baby is important but I think we should practice self-care too.
03
I think we’d better give up.
Situation 1
It’s here somewhere!
We’ve been looking for your keys everywhere.
It’s here, I know it.
I think we’d better give up.
Situation 2
I can’t find it anywhere, I’ve been looking for the past hour.
I can’t believe you lost our wedding ring.
It’s here, don’t worry.
I think we’d better give up.
04
I think we’d better change the subject.
Situation 1
I can’t believe you just said that.
I didn’t mean it that way.
I think we’d better change the subject, I’m getting annoyed.
Let’s talk about something else then.
Situation 2
Can I borrow some money?
I think we’d better change the subject.
Why?
I don’t lend money to my close friends.
It gets messy.
05
I think we’d better eat more vegetables.
Situation 1
Did you get your lab results back?
Yes, I’ve got high cholesterol levels.
I think we’d better eat more vegetables.
Diet and exercise is the answer I guess.
Situation 2
I keep getting a cold.
I think we’d better eat more vegetables.
I think that’s a good idea.
More fruits, veggies, and some exercise.
Writer’s Note
Other uses:
had better + infinitive without ‘to’ for giving advice.
- You’d better tell her the truth.
- He’d better be on time for our date.
- I’d better get back to my homework.
‘had better not’ for negative form.
- You’d better not lie next time.
- He’d better not spend all that money.
- I’d better not make empty promises.
You’re doing great! All this work will pay off in the future. Cheers🍻!
