had better

had better — 慣用語

1. used when you tell someone that a particular action is strongly advised or even

1.慣用語B1
釋義

最好；還是

強烈建議或警告做某事，避免不良後果

used when you tell someone that a particular action is strongly advised or even necessary, often because there could be unpleasant results if it is not done

例句

Selim had better finish his homework before his parents get home.

Selim 最好在父母回家前把功課寫完。

had better + base verb for strong advice

You had better take an umbrella — the forecast says it will rain all afternoon.

你最好帶把傘——氣象預報說整個下午都會下雨。

同義詞
  • should

    weaker and more neutral than 'had better'; 'should' gives advice without implying negative consequences

  • ought to

    similar in strength to 'should', slightly more formal; lacks the warning tone of 'had better'

  • must

    stronger obligation; 'had better' is softer in some contexts but still carries urgency

文法句型

had better + base verb

had better not + base verb

用法筆記

Despite the past-tense form 'had', this phrase refers to present or future situations. It is stronger than 'should' and often carries an implied threat of negative consequences if the advice is ignored. The negative is formed as 'had better not + verb', not 'didn't have better'.

常見錯誤

You have better leave now.
You had better leave now.
'had' stays the same even when talking about the present or future; it is not changed to 'have'.
You had better to call a taxi.
You had better call a taxi.
no 'to' is used after 'had better'; the next verb is the bare infinitive.
You hadn't better go.
You had better not go.
the negative is formed by adding 'not' after 'better', not by contracting 'had' with 'n't'.