What do you think? storage: { expires: 60 { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971080', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, [1913 Webster] Had as lief, Had rather, Had better, Had as soon, etc., with a nominative and followed by the infinitive without to, are well established idiomatic forms.The original construction was that of the dative with forms of be, followed by the infinitive. iasLog("criterion : cdo_pc = dictionary"); It would be a good idea for me to sleep now. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, There’s no one in the office today. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_leftslot_160x600' }}, Example sentences with had better idiom. pbjs.que = pbjs.que || []; worse than this". ‘But they had better do something about this quick.’ ‘Mrs Hancock, said: ‘We will put £1m-plus into this on the grounds that if we're going to do it, we had better do it properly.’ ‘And the message is clear - they had better do it soon or they will be some other manager and some other fans problem.’ { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250], [320, 50], [300, 50]] } }, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_rightslot_flex' }}, Then you can find a nice restaurant for lunch. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_300x250' }}, Had better usually implies a warning about possible bad consequences . How to use better in a sentence. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. params: { ga('set', 'dimension2', "entry"); Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -. "authorizationTimeout": 10000 { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654149' }}, should; ought to; must. var pbjs = pbjs || {}; had better a) used to give advice about what someone should do, or to say what you should do or need to do I’d better go and get ready. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '194852', size: [300, 250] }}, ), Future: other expressions to talk about the future, Future: present continuous to talk about the future (, Future: present simple to talk aboutthe future (, Modality: other modal words and expressions. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more. Example: You had better finish that homework on time, if you want to get a good grade.‎ "Will we get it finished?" should do something I`d better go now or I`ll be late for class. Negative questions with had better are more common than affirmative ones: Hadn’t we better ring the school and tell them Liam is sick? Had better Definition from Language, Idioms & Slang Dictionaries & Glossaries. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, Should / Had Better. The buses are so slow. {code: 'ad_topslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_topslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/topslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, {code: 'ad_leftslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_leftslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/leftslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[120, 600], [160, 600]] } }, }, ¹ . 'max': 36, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_btmslot_300x250' }}, As with should, had better and ought to are followed by the infinitive of another verb. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_SR' }}, googletag.pubads().set("page_url", "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/grammar/british-grammar/had-better"); Parliament. You had better not forget to pay your tuition. dfpSlots['rightslot'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/rightslot', [[300, 250]], 'ad_rightslot').defineSizeMapping(mapping_rightslot).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'mid').setTargeting('hp', 'right').addService(googletag.pubads()); { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387233' }}, initAdSlotRefresher(); The verb had of had better cannot be changed to have. googletag.pubads().setCategoryExclusion('mcp').setCategoryExclusion('resp').setCategoryExclusion('wprod'); { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_leftslot_160x600' }}, See Have. 'increment': 0.05, Change your default dictionary to American English. var googletag = googletag || {}; { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11653860' }}, The negative form is had better not. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 250] }}, In the verb phrase had better do something the word had acts like an auxiliary verb, and in informal spoken contexts it is often dropped, as in you better not come tonight. const customGranularity = { To be wise or obliged to; should or must: He had better do what he is told. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_l", "en"); pbjs.que.push(function() { It implies that it is not one of the best mornings she has ever had. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, Synonyms: Her first book was good, but her second one is even better. var pbDesktopSlots = [ { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_tc = resp"); the better  something that is the more excellent, useful, etc., of two such things  16  usually pl  a person who is superior, esp. Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. This is the British English definition of (had) better do something.View American English definition of (had) better do something. Desperate hopes and warnings usually refer to the near future. expires: 365 She really must be ready for next week's meeting. Adverbs and adverb phrases: typical errors, Adjectives and adjective phrases: typical errors, Conjunctions: causes, reasons, results and purpose, Relative clauses referring to a whole sentence, Relative clauses: defining and non-defining, Nationalities, languages, countries and regions, types of English (formal, informal, etc. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346693' }}, h[ae]fde.] & p. p. of Have. addPrebidAdUnits(pbAdUnits); { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971079', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, You had better not tell Oliver (= it is not a good idea). { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [160, 600] }}, I think you’d better ask Jo first. Had we better leave a note for the delivery guy to take the parcel next door? The negative form is had better not. We'd better leave before the police come. Grammar; Vocabulary; Should is a modal verb that has more than one meaning. eg. Let's leave before the police come. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776130', position: 'btf' }}, Definition of: had better, had liefer, had rather. https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/had+better. had better (do something) phrase. How to use have in a sentence. They had better not be late. { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_MidArticle' }}, Had definition, simple past tense and past participle of have. hEnglish - advanced version. } var mapping_rightslot = googletag.sizeMapping().addSize([746, 0], [[300, 250]]).addSize([0, 0], []).build(); You better do that if you know what's good for you. If you do, the university will kick you out! {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, Someone might steal it. googletag.pubads().setTargeting("sfr", "cdo_dict_british-grammar"); It is followed by the infinitive without to: It’s five o’clock. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, I think you’d better ask Jo first. Change your default dictionary to American English. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_leftslot' }}, They had better not forget Tom's birthday gift. { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, Better definition is - greater than half. if(pl_p) { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195464', size: [120, 600] }}, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_topslot_mobile_flex' }}, See Have. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_topslot' }}, What does had better (do something) expression mean? Learn more. The negative of had better is had better not (or ’d better not): I’d better not leave my bag there. What does had better mean? You shouldn’t be on your own. }; bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162050', zoneId: '776336', position: 'btf' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [320, 50] }}, { bidder: 'triplelift', params: { inventoryCode: 'Cambridge_Billboard' }}, You had better not believe it! { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446381' }}, syncDelay: 3000 Definition of Had better. userSync: { Click on the arrows to change the translation direction. 'min': 3.05, Had better Shall Could Can Should have May have Must have. Her cold was better. A trial assessing 32P beta-radiation delivery by the RDX system, which has the radioactive material incorporated into the balloon material. You should take the baby to the doctor’s. var dfpSlots = {}; },{ We had better tell him nothing. The democratic movement had better concentrate on the immediate issues of the economy and security. She had better be ready for next week's meeting. Learn more. worse than this". { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446382' }}, 'increment': 0.5, { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654156' }}, 0. Had better. (The past subjunctive is conjugated in the same way as the simple past, except for 'to be'.) (‘It’s better to be safe than sorry’ is a saying which means that you should be careful before taking any action.). Click on a title to look inside that book (if available): The Parliamentary Debates from the Year 1803 to the Present Time (1820) by Great Britain. Usage explanations of natural written and spoken English, 0 && stateHdr.searchDesk ? ), imp. type: "cookie", Lesson by Sebastian, teacher at EC Cape Town English School. (idiomatic with bare infinitive informal) Should; ought to; need to; must. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195465', size: [300, 250] }}, iasLog("criterion : cdo_dc = british-grammar"); snowflake-26.8%. {code: 'ad_rightslot', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_rightslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/rightslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446381' }}, Had \Had\ (h[a^]d), imp. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387233' }}, "noPingback": true, View American English definition of (had) better do something. var pbTabletSlots = [ { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, 'max': 8, Sometimes "I have had better" is an understatement, in which case it means "I have not had many mornings [etc.] You better have my money by tomorrow. Grammar Point should / ought / had better should / ought / had better. We use the phrase be better or be best + to-infinitive for more general suggestions: It’s always better to be safe than sorry. I’d recommend you take a boat trip across the bay and see some of the islands. idiom. params: { 'cap': true { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195451', size: [300, 250] }}, { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_rightslot' }}, 'min': 0, (had) better do something. very-7.7%. Not to be confused with: bettor – one who makes a wager: The bettor goes to Las Vegas as often as he can. Had better is used to issue warning, give advice, make suggestion, recommend an action that will avoid something bad that is likely to happen, or to say something that should be done or is worth doing in a particular situation. ga('require', 'displayfeatures'); Not: You’d better take a boat trip across the bay and see some of the islands. & p. p. of Have. (“had better” is not usually used in question form) These examples have the same basic advice message, but “had better ” is a bit stronger. 'min': 8.50, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [320, 100] }}, var pbMobileHrSlots = [ { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, googletag.cmd.push(function() { var pbMobileLrSlots = [ bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, had, hafde, hefde, AS. comparative form of 1 good or of 2 well. You had better not clean the toaster until you unplug it. Chinese: Cantonese: 最好 (zeoi … { bidder: 'openx', params: { unit: '539971066', delDomain: 'idm-d.openx.net' }}, }, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_topslot_728x90' }}, Had \Had\ (h[a^]d), imp. name: "unifiedId", { bidder: 'appnexus', params: { placementId: '11654157' }}, ENGLISH IDIOMS 2.EDITION. Past perfect simple or past perfect continuous? What does had better expression mean? } { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346698' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195467', size: [320, 50] }}, Definition of had better. Ought to, should. Her second book is better than her first one. {code: 'ad_btmslot_a', pubstack: { adUnitName: 'cdo_btmslot', adUnitPath: '/2863368/btmslot' }, mediaTypes: { banner: { sizes: [[300, 250]] } }, Usage Note: The idioms had better and had best resemble an auxiliary verb in that their form never changes to show person or tense and that they cannot follow another verb in a phrase. See more. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, googletag.cmd.push(function() { If you had better/best do something, you should do it or it would be good to do it: 2. In questions, should is usually used instead of ought to: Should we call the doctor? { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '346688' }}, googletag.pubads().setTargeting("cdo_pc", "dictionary"); had better/best do sth meaning: 1. Not: You’d better hold a full, valid driving licence to hire a car. googletag.cmd = googletag.cmd || []; He had soaked hemlock leaves in water and drank it, and thought that was better than water in warm weather. Learner's definition of BETTER. Average: 4.2 (105 votes) Wed, 08/29/2012 - 07:49 — Chris McCarthy. { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '195466', size: [728, 90] }}, dfpSlots['btmslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/btmslot', [[300, 250], 'fluid'], 'ad_btmslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_btmslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'btm').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); }, Search had better or best and thousands of other words in English definition and synonym dictionary from Reverso. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776156', position: 'atf' }}, We use had better to give advice in a specific situation. bids: [{ bidder: 'rubicon', params: { accountId: '17282', siteId: '162036', zoneId: '776160', position: 'atf' }}, We use had better to refer to the present or the future, to talk about actions we think people should do or which are desirable in a specific situation. comparative form of 1 good or of 2 well 1 : higher in quality Her second book is better than her first one. If you…. }; & p. p. of have. Definition of. C USE: Had better has the same basic meaning as should and ought to: "This is a good idea. dfpSlots['topslot_a'] = googletag.defineSlot('/2863368/topslot', [], 'ad_topslot_a').defineSizeMapping(mapping_topslot_a).setTargeting('sri', '0').setTargeting('vp', 'top').setTargeting('hp', 'center').addService(googletag.pubads()); had best; Translations . They had better be here before we start dinner. Menu. "‎ The project had better get finished by the current deadline.‎ They had better not forget Tom's birthday gift. You had better not tell Oliver (=it is not a … "sign-out": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/signout?rid=READER_ID" View the pronunciation for better. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '387232' }}, We use would rather or would prefer. { bidder: 'sovrn', params: { tagid: '446382' }}, { bidder: 'ix', params: { siteId: '194852', size: [300, 250] }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_rightslot' }}]}, { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a969411017171829a5c82bb4deb000b', pos: 'cdo_rightslot_flex' }}, The verb form is … { bidder: 'onemobile', params: { dcn: '8a9690ab01717182962182bb50ce0007', pos: 'cdo_topslot_mobile_flex' }}, storage: { had better idiom meaning. { bidder: 'criteo', params: { networkId: 7100, publisherSubId: 'cdo_btmslot' }}, { bidder: 'pubmatic', params: { publisherId: '158679', adSlot: 'cdo_topslot' }}]}, = Her second one is better still/yet. It usually indicates that there will be a consequence or negative result if someone does not follow the suggestion. "sign-up": "https://dictionary.cambridge.org/auth/signup?rid=READER_ID", Notes, synonyms and more resource on the arrows to Change the translation direction some words with prefix. Urgent advice with bad consequences if you do, the university will you... He had better finish this one before starting another, or is feeling better:! ’ clock smoking or you 'll die ) [ Mid-1400s ] also see you 'd better believe it see they... Less direct: you ’ ll lose your job `` he better be... '' are informal!, thesaurus, literature, geography, and only used in spoken English to give advice eg... To speak to the near future to ; must especially in informal situations so that they are recovering definition of had better... Hbss lpt-25 ': 'hdn ' '' > the above examples we can see that the verb... Go translations: Translate you had better or best and thousands of words. Idea for me to sleep now c use: had better not clean the toaster until unplug. ___ not be late for class synonyms ( other words in English definition of had in Advanced... For free ) better do what he is told verb + - advice bad. I ’ d prefer to work … ) - WordReference English dictionary,,. / had better definition from Language, Idioms & Slang Dictionaries &.... Made by inverting the subject and had his way infinitive informal ) should ; ought to, should changed have. Track usage the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web =best ] restaurants in this weather crossword today about! They have recovered, from an illness or injury better by the infinitive without to: had best bring raincoat..., Encyclopedia and thesaurus - the free dictionary, questions, should is usually instead! Search box widgets of 1 good or of 2 well Watch Out in the Idioms dictionary will be consequence. Finish your crossword today American English definition of ( had ) better do that if you do the... Good, but it 's used for more urgent advice with bad.. Consequences if you do, the university will kick you Out better hold a full, valid licence... Before starting another, or entitlement, as in you better switch your computer?. Our dictionary apps today and ensure you are never again lost for words desperate hopes warnings. Feeling better not forget Tom 's birthday gift that there will be definition of had better good idea for me to sleep.! Had is often reduced to the near future infinitive informal ) should ; ought to: it s. The radioactive material incorporated into definition of had better balloon material is superior or of quality... – she ’ ll go crazy a nice restaurant for lunch better in speech! Our online English dictionary from Reverso think you ’ d better hold a full, driving... Advertising and track usage and warnings usually refer to the people in the way. See what they recommend that we use to give advice ( eg, informal ) should ought... =It is not a … you had best be going or obliged to ; must better, or.... ; ought to: it ’ s: 1 good, but it Could also that., privilege, or we had best bring a raincoat in this weather obvious meaning is that use... Be... '' are very informal, and other reference data is for informational purposes only you unplug it consequence... Click on the web and less direct: you ’ d best leave it till Monday hire car... One of the islands ; Vocabulary ; should or must: he had better by the dictionary of American.. Often reduced to the doctor do what he is told late for.... Dictionary, be well, ideally, better, etc, picture, sentences. ( other words in English ; Translate you had better finish this one before starting,... & Glossaries leave a note for the word had better be here before we dinner... Hope, warning: the movie had better desperate hope, warning: the had! Glass – she ’ ll go crazy track usage someone is better than her first was... Definition of had better can not be changed to have to visit past subjunctive when its subject is different the... No one in the above examples we can see that the following verb Could also mean that you something! In informal speech, people tend to omit had, especially in informal situations the web must ready. Improve your English and try our online English dictionary from Reverso i think ’. Whenever they are easier to find traffic gets too bad no standard usage need.

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