Had better… It’s time…

Had better (‘d better)

Download full-size image from Pinterest

Use

We use had better to give strong advice or to tell someone (including ourselves) what to do.

• I‘d better go home. It’s getting late.
• You‘d better tell Mum what happened before she finds out. 

Had better often implies that something negative will happen if something is not done, and it often sounds like a threat or a warning.

• He‘d better give me my money back, or he’ll be in trouble. 
• You‘d better behave yourself if you don’t want me to get really angry. 

Form

The word had is a past verb form, but the expression had better is only used to talk about the immediate future.

• You‘d better call me soon. I’ll be worried.

After had better we need to use infinitive without to.

• I‘d better to take a look.
• I‘d better take a look.

Had better not (‘d better not) is the negative form of had better.

• You‘d better not say a word about this. 
• I‘d better not forget. 

In spoken English, we normally use the short form ‘d better. And in informal speech, people sometimes say just better (without had).

• You better go home.
• I better get it right this time. 

Had better vs should

We often use should to give advice, to say that something is a good thing. And we use had better to express urgent advice or a warning, with bad consequences if you don’t follow it.

• You should try the cake. It’s delicious. 
• He‘d better hurry up or he’ll miss the cake. 

It’s time

Download full-size image from Pinterest

We can use it’s time + to + infinitive or it’s time for someone + to + infinitive to say that someone should do something now or in the future.

• It’s time for you to go to the doctor. 
• It’s time to make a decision. 

We can also use it’s (about) time + subject + past simple to say that someone should do something now or in the future.

• It’s time you went to the doctor. 
• I really think it’s about time you made a decision. We can’t go on like this any longer.

🔍 Note that we use the past in this form, but we are talking about the future.

We often use this form to complain or criticise.

• It’s time you paid me what you owe me.  
• It’s about time you started looking for a job.