Talk:had better

Usage note

"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

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

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

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

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)