Had better has the same basic meaning as should
(a) My clothes are dirty. I ought to wash them. and ought to: "This is a good idea. This is good
Ebytted advice!'
(b) You're driving too fast! You'd better slow down. Had better usually implies a warning about
possible bad consequences. In @):If you don't
slow down, there could be a bad result. You
could get a speeding ticket or have an accident.
(c) You'd better not eat that meat. It looks s~oiled. NEGATIVE: had bettor not
EXERCISE 18. Expressing advice: HAD BETIER. (Chart 7-8)
Directions: In the following, the speaker chooses to use had better. What are some
possible bad consequences the speaker might be thinking of?(d) I'd better send my boss an e-mail right away.
- The movie starts in ten minutes. We'd bener hurry.
+ Posn'ble bad consequences: We'll be late if we don't hurry.
In speaking, had is usually contracted: 'd.- You can't wear shorts and aT-shirt to a job interview! You'd bener
change clothes before you go. - I can't find my credit card. I have no idea where it is. I guess
I'd better cnll the credit card company. - A: My ankle really hurts. I think I sprained it.
B: You'd benerput some ice on it right away. - You shouldn't leave your car unlocked in the middle of the city.
You'd better lock it before we go into the restaurant.
I"') ("I
EXERCISE 19. Expressing advice: HAD BETTER. (Chart 7-8)
Directions: Give advice using had bettor. Explain the possible bad consequence if your
advice is not followed. Only the cuer's book is open.
Example: It's raining. I need to go out.+ You'd better take your umbrella. If you don't, you'll get wet.
- I haven't paid my electric bill.
- 1 need to be at the airport for a nine o'clock flight tonight.
- (... ) and I want to go out to dinner at (name of a popular restaurant) Saturday night,
but we don't have reservations yet. - (... ) wants to go to a movie tonight, but sheihe has a test tomorrow.
- 1 don't feel good today. I think I'm coming down with something.*
- (... ) has a job at (name of a localplace). Sheme has been late to work three times in
the last week. Hermis boss is very unhappy about that.
The idiom "come down with something" means "get a sickness" like a cold or the Bu.Modal Auxlllarles 203