Had better is a modal verb that is used to give advice or suggestions in a specific situation.

The verb form is always had, not have, and ==it is followed by the infinitive without to==. We normally shorten it to ‘d better in informal situations. For example:

  • You’d better hurry up or you’ll miss the bus.
  • They’d better pay their bills on time or they’ll face a penalty.

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.

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