Had better is used to give strong advice when not doing something will lead to problems. In speech it is almost always shortened: you'd better, we'd better. Despite the form had, it refers to the present and the future.
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had better + verb (no to); 'd better + verb; had better not + verb
- We'd better leave now, or we'll miss the last train home.
- You'd better not tell Sam about the party; it's meant to be a surprise.
- I'd better check the figures again before I send the report to my manager.
What changed
First versionYou'd better to take an umbrella; it's going to rain.
RevisionYou'd better take an umbrella; it's going to rain.
After had better, the verb comes without to, just as after should or must. The extra to usually appears by analogy with have to and ought to. The correction removes only to.
Should sounds softer and suits general advice: You should read more in English. Had better is tied to a specific situation and often carries a warning: You'd better leave now, or you'll miss the bus. So you'd better, said to the person you are talking to, can sound sharp, and should is safer for polite advice.
Your turn
It's already midnight and your exam starts at nine, so you ___ go to bed now.
Show the answer
had better — The sentence needs advice with a warning, and the 'd in you'd better stands for had. Would better does not exist in English: it comes from mixing up the two meanings of the short form 'd.
Give advice to a friend who is going on holiday. Say what they had better do and explain what problem there will be if they don't.
You'd better book your hotel this week, or all the cheap rooms near the centre will be gone.
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