USE OF HAD BETTER

USE OF HAD BETTER As a modal verb, had better does not change its form for tense, person, etc. We use it to recommend action or give advice. We use “had better” plus the infinitive without “to”  to give advice. Although “had” is the past form of “have”, we use “had better” to give advice about the present or future You had better clear up the mess before mum returns. At your age, you had better have regular check-ups. We can also use had better to issue warning or make suggestion about something bad that is likely to happen.  We can use should/ought to to replace had better without affecting the meaning. You are coughing loudly. You had better see a doctor. You should/ought to see a doctor. I am overeating. I had better go on a diet. I should/ought to go on a diet. We think she had better not/should not/ought not to befriend him. He’s a drug addict.