Modal Phrases (Had Better and Would Rather)


Semi-modal multi-word constructions 'had better' and 'would rather' are followed by the infinitive without to.

Examples:
  • We had better go into the house because it is raining.
  • I can come today but I would rather come tomorrow.

Had Better

'Had better' expresses advice and means 'would find it wiser or more suitable'.
E.g.: You had better go now (=it would be good, wise or suitable for you to go now).

Synonyms: ought to do something / should do something.

In negative structures, better comes before not.
E.g.: You had better not go now.

Patterns. Read and memorize!
  1. We had better take an umbrella. It may rain. (We�d (1) better�)
  2. He�d better stop and have a rest if he feels tired.
  3. You�d better go on the excursion.
  4. You had better not eat so much. (You�d better�)
  5. Hadn�t you better hurry if you want to catch the eight o�clock train? (2)
  6. What had I better put on for the party?
Note 1: - The contracted form �d is very common.
Note 2: - The negative form 'hadn't better' is used mainly in questions: Hadn't we better try again later?

?'Had' is sometimes dropped in very informal speech.
E. g. : You better go now.
I better try again later.

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