«Had better» — what is the meaning of this grammatically?


Asked by: Marianne Littel


Asked by: Arnulfo Mann

Re: had better and should better

Should and had better are both right and mean the same thing. Had better is much more formal and stiff than should, so most people using standard English say should. This is informal but grammatically correct.

Конструкция had better имеет значение, схожее с модальными глаголами should и ought to, так как они выражают совет, наставление, обязанность. Однако, конструкция had better более эмоциональная, имеет значение угрозы или отчаяния.

Конструкция had better используется в особых, конкретных ситуациях, когда нужно что-то сделать, чтобы избежать плохих последствий. В остальных случаях (общие законы, правила, советы, обязанности) используются модальные глаголы should и ought to.

  • Youstop talking or the teacher will turn you out of the classroom. – Тебе лучше прекратить разговаривать, а не то учитель выгонит тебя из класса. (нежелательное последствие)
  • You brush your teeth every day. – Ты должен чистить зубы каждый день. (правило)
  • I visit my grandma every week. – Я должен навещать свою бабушку каждую неделю. (обычная обязанность)

Конструкция had better используется только для настоящего и будущего времен. Для прошлого времени используются should и ought to.

  • You pay your bills tomorrow. – Тебе стоит оплатить свои счета завтра. (будущее)
  • You should have paid your bills yesterday. – Ты должен был оплатить свои счета вчера. (прошлое)

A guy is going to visit quite a popular place in his city where smoking is not permitted

You better not smoke there.
You had better not smoke there.
you should better not smoke there.

Are all of these correct? I mostly only use the «you better not» version. Are the other two common in spoken English?

  • «You should better» is incorrect. «You better not» is the usual version in the US. «You had better» is okay, but less idiomatic here.

    The first one is informal, in everyday speech.
    The second is correct and should be used in writing.
    The third is wrong.

    BE: You had better not smoke there is what I use. You better not smoke there is used as well, but I consider it lazy speech. I’ve never heard the third option: where did you find it?

    1. had better ⇒ would be wise, sensible, etc to: I had better be off

    it better not be

    «You should better» is incorrect. «You better not» is the usual version in the US. «You had better» is okay, but less idiomatic here.

    Thanks, Newt, this is what I wanted to say about «having better».

    The first one is informal, in everyday speech.
    The second is correct and should be used in writing.
    The third is wrong.

    Will keep in mind :)

    BE: You had better not smoke there is what I use. You better not smoke there is used as well, but I consider it lazy speech. I’ve never heard the third option: where did you find it?

    1. had better ⇒ would be wise, sensible, etc to: I had better be off

    it better not be

    Yes, I agree, one should not use it in written English.
    I found the third one on YouTube. There was a multiple-choice question, and «should be better» was one of the options. When I saw some comments below it,some people said it was right. That’s why I wanted to make sure. Thanks for clarifying :)

    I’m interested to know why we use had better for recommendation. Technically we’re speaking of an action that hasn’t yet occurred. Like he had better leave a tip means he hasn’t yet left a tip, but I suggest he do.

    Why do we use the past tense had if it has nothing to do with the past? Why do we not use the subjunctive here? (He have better leave a tip.)

    RegDwigнt's user avatar

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    asked Jan 26, 2011 at 23:04

    sombe's user avatar

    The NOAD reports that the meaning of had better do something is

    • would find it wiser to do something (you had better be careful)
    • ought to do something

    It reports also this note about the usage:

    In the verb phrase had better do something, the word had acts like an auxiliary verb; in informal spoken contexts, it is often dropped, as in you better not come tonight. In writing, the had may be contracted to ’d (you’d better call), but it should not be dropped altogether (not you better call).

    answered Jan 27, 2011 at 7:01

    apaderno's user avatar

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    • You had better see the doctor about your cough.
    • You had better study hard for your entrance exam.

    To explain the grammar, I’d say it is such a strong suggestion phrase that it suggests something that the person should have already completed in the past but is just starting to do. Clearer grammar might be «You better have finished the report!» instead of «You had better finish the report!»

    RegDwigнt's user avatar

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    answered Jun 13, 2012 at 0:10

    English Teacher - OB's user avatar

    Look at this sentence

    He had better leave a tip.

    It’s actually used to say someone should do something. But it makes sense to tell that the real form of the sentence was:

    If he had left a tip, it would be better.

    It means he has not done the work, but still he has the opportunity to do it.

    answered Jan 26, 2011 at 23:52

    Manoochehr's user avatar

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    Модальные глаголы (modals) – одна из главных тем в грамматике английского языка. Можно оставить на потом (put off) изучение Future Perfect, Present Perfect Continuous или Verb Patterns, но не modals! Как бы вы ни старались обогатить словарный запас, уровень ваших знаний останется на начальной ступени, если не использовать их.

    "Had better" — what is the meaning of this grammatically?

    Рассмотрим правила употребления и изучим различия между следующими глаголами:

    • Should
    • Ought to
    • Had better

    Они в английском языке служат для выражения обязательств и рекомендаций. Например: you should/ought to finish your homework before you go out. Тебе следует закончить домашнюю работу прежде чем идти гулять.

    "Had better" — what is the meaning of this grammatically?

    Казалось бы, should и ought to – практически одинаковы. Тем не менее, между ними есть ряд различий. Should используется чаще для выражения рекомендаций авторитетного источника.

    The manual says that the computer should be disconnected from the power supply before the cover is removed. В инструкции сказано, что компьютер должен быть отключен от источника питания до того, как будет снята крышка.

    "Had better" — what is the meaning of this grammatically?

    Ought to используется чаще для выражения обязательств: The project ought to be ready by now. Проект должен быть уже готов.

    В вопросах, особенно в специальных вопросах (wh-questions), используется should:

    • What should I do if I have any problems? Что мне делать, если у меня возникнут проблемы?
    • Should I ring you at home? Стоит ли мне звонить тебе домой?

    "Had better" — what is the meaning of this grammatically?

    Что же каcается had better, то здесь всё довольно просто. В разговорном или неформальном общении для выражения того, что что-то есть хорошая идея (It’s a good idea) используют именно had better:

    If you’re not well, you’d better go home. Если тебе плохо, тебе лучше пойти домой.

    Для выражения сожаления о том, что не случилось в прошлом, или ожидания того, что могло или может произойти, используют should/ought to + have + past participle:

    We should have waited for the rain to stop. Нам следовало подождать, пока закончится дождь (но мы этого не сделали).

    "Had better" — what is the meaning of this grammatically?

    If the flight was on time, he ought to have arrived in Moscow early this morning. Если полёт был совершён вовремя, он должен был прибыть в Москву рано утром.

    Содержание
    1. Остались вопросы?
    2. Задайте свой вопрос и получите ответ от профессионального преподавателя.
    3. Модальный глагол OUGHT TO
    4. Should ought to and had better?
    5. What is the had better rule?
    6. Should advice be an example of?
    7. What is had better example?
    8. How do you use had better and would rather?
    9. Had better would rather would prefer?
    10. Should had done grammar?
    11. Should had been grammar?
    12. Should had have example?
    13. Should must had better?
    14. Should shouldn’t ought?
    15. Where can I use had better?
    16. What does had better mean?
    17. Would better gerund or infinitive?
    18. Would rather advanced grammar?
    19. What are examples of had?
    20. Would rather had rather?
    21. Is had better past tense?
    22. Should use in sentences?
    23. Should you use advice in a sentence?
    24. Should Seek give advice?
    25. Другие фразы для дачи совета
    26. Модальный глагол SHOULD
    27. Modal verb SHOULD
    28. Had better or would rather?
    29. Modal verb HAD BETTER
    30. SHOULD in the past
    31. Modal verb OUGHT TO
    32. Should and had better examples?
    33. Would better or had better?
    34. Should, ought to, had better
    35. SHOULD в прошедшем времени
    36. Практическая грамматика английского языка
    37. Should had or should have?
    38. Would had use?
    39. When to use have had or had?
    40. Should I use better in a sentence?
    41. Where do we use had better?
    42. Could vs Can grammar?
    43. What is had better example?
    44. Had been meaning?
    45. Is had better past tense?
    46. What you D stand for?
    47. Would rather use in English?
    48. Had Rather or would rather?
    49. Why dont we use sentences?
    50. Had better should ought to?
    51. What is better in a sentence?
    52. Can I end a sentence with better?
    53. How can I use better in a sentence?
    54. When to use have had together in a sentence?
    55. Is having had correct?
    56. How do you use had had?
    57. Should, ought to, had better
    58. Модальный глагол HAD BETTER
    59. Other phrases for giving advice
    60. Рекомендации
    61. Recommendations

    Остались вопросы?

    Задайте свой вопрос и получите ответ от профессионального преподавателя.

    Hello all,
    how would we express the situation ( here written in bold and black) when a guest has been staying for several days at John’s home and John says to himself irritablythat the guest should now go in English?
    Can John say:
    1. Today he had better go.
    2. Today he should had better go.
    3. Today he should go.
    4. If he went today.
    5. If only he went today.
    6. Today if he could go. ?
    Thank you.

  • If John intends to actually do something about the sutuation, actually tell his guest to go, then I would say that numbers 1 and 3 are the most natural, although I would put ‘today’ at the end to emphasise the urgency — ‘He had better go today‘, or ‘He should go today‘.

    Number 4 doesn’t convey the desired meaning.

    Number 5 is grammatical but is a wish rather than a firm statement.

    Numbers 2 and 6 are not a viable sentences.

    He might also say ‘He really has to go today!’

    Hope that helps

    1. Today he had better go. This is a grammatical English sentence
    2. Today he should had better go. Unacceptable; you cannot use «should» and «had» together this way.
    3. Today he should go. This is a grammatical English sentence.
    4. If he went today. This is not a complete sentence. However, if you finished the sentence (such as «If he went today, I would be happy») then it would be fine.
    5. If only he went today. This could be a grammatical expression of a wish, but I would expect an exclamation point as the punctuation.
    6. Today if he could go. This is an incomplete sentence, and without anything more does not seem related to the idea you have in mind.

    Last edited: Jul 28, 2011

    Actually John does not voice it or tell the guest. It is a sort of wish he is saying to himself.

    Actually John does not voice it or tell the guest. It is a sort of wish he is saying to himself.

    That does not change anything I said above.

    Thank you. it means the best expression for the situation is »If only he went today!».
    Can we also say, »I wish he would go today»? In this sentence if it is necessary to add ‘I wish’ or just ‘He would go’ will be sufficient?

    Actually John does not voice it or tell the guest. It is a sort of wish he is saying to himself.

    In that case I’d say number 5 is a good choice, though as GreenWhiteBlue rightly points out, it would be better written with an exclamation mark.

    Number one works too, in a different sort of way. Here John is saying ‘He had better go today, or else . . . I’ll go mad!’, or ‘ . . . I’ll throw him out!’

    Thank you. it means the best expression for the situation is »If only he went today!».
    Can we also say, »I wish he would go today»? In this sentence if it is necessary to add ‘I wish’ or just ‘He would go’ will be sufficient?

    You would have to say ‘I wish he would go today’.

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    ‘He would go today’ is a possible sentence but it doesn’t convey anything of wishing.

    I’d like members of this forum to tell me if there is any difference between using should and had better when giving a piece of advice?

  • It certainly does, starsbabe. Now I know what form to use in a particular situation.
    That’s very kind of you.
    Many thanks.

    `I’ve never been to Paris.’—`That’s a pity. You —- go one day.’

    A) should
    B) had better

    I think «had better» is not possible at all in this sentence. Do you agree?

    KON

    Senior Member


    I choose (A) as the correct answer.

    I’ve never been to Paris. That’s a pity. You should go one day.

    The person replying here is making a suggestion, he is expressing his opinion about something to take place in the future.

    `I’ve never been to Paris.’—`That’s a pity. You —- go one day.’

    A) should
    B) had better

    I think «had better» is not possible at all in this sentence. Do you agree?

    (B) is correct English.
    It has the connotation that others have pointed out, but that does not make it impossible.
    For example, an art teacher might use (B) when speaking to a student — suggesting that a visit to Paris is almost an essential part of the student’s education.

    (B) is correct English.
    It has the connotation that others have pointed out, but that does not make it impossible.
    For example, an art teacher might use (B) when speaking to a student — suggesting that a visit to Paris is almost an essential part of the student’s education.

    «had better» seems to indicate that there is a danger or something negative if you don’t do something. Otherwise should or ought to is the usual form. It is more clear in this sentence.

    It is a fantastic film! You should see it.

    Here I think there is no way we can interpret the sentence as an admonition.

    and what about this?

    When people are in touble, they —- go to the police.
    A) should
    B) had better

    It’s A as «had better» is not used when talking in general. Do you agree?

    and what about this?

    When people are in touble, they —- go to the police.
    A) should
    B) had better

    It’s A as «had better» is not used when talking in general. Do you agree?

    It’s A because should is appropriate in this context.
    Had better is used «when talking in general» whenever the context requires it.

    (It’s a fantastic film. You’d better see it.) :)

    That does not apply to everyone. That is beyond the scope of this forum.

    Had better is used «when talking in general» whenever the context requires it.

    Can you give an example?

    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 23, 2008

    That does not apply to everyone. That is beyond the scope of this forum.

    I don’t understand this?

    Yes.
    It looks like it’s going to rain. You had better take an umbrella.

    «Should» can be used for an advice.
    «Had better» , however, is much stronger than «should.» It is almost an «order» or «demanding» or «imperative» from a school teacher to their students.

    Is this statement correct?

    I don’t think so.
    For example,
    «It looks like it’s going to rain. You had better take an umbrella.» doesn’t seem to be an order or demand from a school teacher to their student. Nor an ultimatum.
    It is still an advice/suggestion, isn’t it?

    Last edited: Nov 27, 2017

    post mod (English Only / Latin)


    Lets put it this way: «Had better» can be used for a strong admonition. However it can also be used for a more general and less personal warning, as in this post:

    «had better» seems to indicate that there is a danger or something negative if you don’t do something.

    «You had better take an umbrella» can be an expression of friendly concern that you avoid the negative consequences of rain: getting wet.

    Thank you for the feedback.

    Going back to the original question, I wouldn’t say that «should» is conditional here. When «giving a piece of advice», it means «ought to» — in other words this is a deontic use of the modal «should».

    `I’ve never been to Paris.’—`That’s a pity. You —- go one day.’

    A) should
    B) had better

    I think «had better» is not possible at all in this sentence. Do you agree?

    I find it very hard to accept option (B), and I think it should be rejected if this is a question in a test. I can’t say it’s not possible at all, but this exact phrasing is so unlikely that I don’t think we need to seriously consider it.

    I’d be reasonably happy to see it used in a slightly different way:
    «I’ve never been to Paris» — «That’s a pity. You should go/had better go if you get the chance; it could be a valuable experience for you.»

    post mod (English Only / Latin)


    «After thinking of discarding it, I had better stock it for a ‘rain check’.»

    Yes, you can use it like that. The ‘negative consequence’ can be very mild. In fact, it might just refer to doing something that will be useful to you later.

    Aside: You would probably say «I was thinking of discarding it, but I had better stock it for a ‘rain check.» If you want to discuss this suggestion further, please start a new thread. Further discussions will be off-topic in this thread.

    Модальный глагол OUGHT TO

    Модальный глагол OUGHT TO близкий синоним глагола SHOULD. Он тоже употребляется во всех видах советов, но SHOULD гораздо более распространен, чем OUGHT TO. В американском английском, SHOULD обычно употребляется вместо OUGHT TO в вопросах, в отрицательных предложениях и в прошедшем времени.

    Вам следует написать письмо Марии. / Вам следует написать письмо Марии.

    Вам следовало написать письмо Тому. / Вам следовало написать письмо Тому.

    Следует ли мне позвонить ему?

    Следовало ли мне позвонить ему?

    OUGHT TO в отрицательной форме употребляется не очень часто. OUGHT TO в отрицательной форме может терять частицу «to» (She ought not smoke so much. She oughtn’t smoke so much.), но справочники по стилю рекомендуют употребить частицу «to» в таких случаях.

    Ей не следует есть столько шоколада.

    Вам не следовало идти туда одному.

    Should ought to and had better?

    English speakers use the modal verbs “should,” “ought to” and “had better” to express that they think something is a good (or a bad) idea. “Should” is the most common way to give advice.

    16 related questions found

    What is the had better rule?

    Should advice be an example of?

    should for advice, opinions

    • You should see the new James Bond movie. It’s great!
    • You should try to lose weight.
    • John should get a haircut.
    • He shouldn’t smoke. …
    • What should I wear?
    • They should make that illegal.
    • There should be a law against that.
    • People should worry more about global warming.

    What is had better example?

    Using ‘Had better’

    • I had (or I’d) better sleep now. It would be a good idea for me to sleep now.
    • You’d better discuss this issue with Bruno. You should discuss this issue with Bruno.
    • We’d better leave before the police come. Let’s leave before the police come.
    • He’d better not come.

    How do you use had better and would rather?

    1. I would rather stay at home tonight. » …
    2. I would rather not answer this spam call. …
    3. We’d rather meet some other time. ‘ …
    4. He would rather say nothing than argue. …
    5. You had better call the shop before visiting it.

    Had better would rather would prefer?

    Should had done grammar?

    1: Should have + past participle can mean something that would have been a good idea, but that you didn’t do it. It’s like giving advice about the past when you say it to someone else, or regretting what you did or didn’t do when you’re talking about yourself.

    Should had been grammar?

    Use “should have been” to express what you think should have happened, but did not happen. Often, you’ll hear this phrase used in arguments or regrets about the past. For example: “You should not have lied to me!”

    Should had have example?

    We use should have + past participle to talk about things we regret. I got really wet walking home last night, I should have taken an umbrella. The speaker did not take an umbrella when she went out last night so she got wet. She regrets that she did not take her umbrella.

    Should must had better?

    Should shouldn’t ought?

    Meaning 1: We use SHOULD when we want to say or ask what is the correct or best thing to do. It is a way of asking for or giving advice. Note: In this meaning, we can also use OUGHT TO instead of SHOULD. The difference is that OUGHT TO is stronger in meaning – so be careful with it!

    Where can I use had better?

    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. The verb form is always had, not have. We normally shorten it to ‘d better in informal situations.

    What does had better mean?

    From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English had bettera) 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.

    Would better gerund or infinitive?

    Would rather advanced grammar?

    What are examples of had?

    Had Sentence Examples

    • They had two adopted children already.
    • Certainly she had been under a lot of stress.
    • She had a choice.
    • All the papers had been signed and the money provided.
    • A nearby steeple had been broken off short and the fragments lay heaped beside it.

    Would rather had rather?

    they are both the same in meaning – when you prefer to have or do one thing more than another. Although, ‘had rather’ is more archaic and not as commonly used as ‘would rather’.

    Is had better past tense?

    Had better + infinitive to refer to the present or future, e.g.I had better arrive earlier. Had better + perfect infinitive to refer to the past, e.g. I had better have arrived earlier yesterday.

    Should use in sentences?

    ‘Should’ can be used:

    • To express something that is probable. Examples: “John should be here by 2:00 PM.” “He should be bringing Jennifer with him.
    • To ask questions. Examples: “Should we turn left at this street?” …
    • To show obligation, give recommendation or even an opinion. Examples: “You should stop eating fast food.”

    Should you use advice in a sentence?

    Should Seek give advice?

    Другие фразы для дачи совета

    Можно употребить глаголы tell, advise, recommend в описании даваемого совета. Обратите внимание, что глаголы advise, recommend имеют особенности в употреблении герундия или инфинитива после них. Сравните эти примеры:

    Вам следует купить этот автомобиль.

    Вам лучше купить эту машину сейчас. Завтра ее может не быть.

    Я сказал ему, что ему следует купить ту машину.

    Я советую купить эту машину.

    Я советую вам купить эту машину.

    Я советую, чтобы вы купили эту машину.

    Я советовал ему не покупать ту машину.

    Я рекомендую купить эту машину.

    Я рекомендую, чтобы вы купили эту машину.

    Совет может также даваться в виде предложения. Например:

    Почему бы вам не посетить Испанию этим летом?

    Вы могли бы поехать во Францию в следующем году.

    Вы могли бы поехать на горный курорт следующей зимой.

    Если бы я был на вашем месте, я поехал бы в Италию в мае.

    Модальный глагол SHOULD

    Модальный глагол SHOULD очень употребителен. Употребление SHOULD является предпочтительным способом дачи совета для многих носителей языка. SHOULD в значении «совет» употребляется в утвердительных и отрицательных повествовательных предложениях и вопросах, относящихся к настоящему, будущему и прошедшему.

    Настоящее и будущее:

    Детям следует есть много фруктов.

    Его машина снова сломалась. Ему определенно следует купить новую машину.

    Ей следует поехать в Испанию этим летом. Это прекрасная страна.

    Уже одиннадцать часов. Вам следовало бы спать сейчас.

    Вам не следует звонить ему завтра.

    Вам не следует курить в этой комнате. Теперь мне придется проветривать ее.

    Им не следует оставаться здесь.

    Вам не следует уезжать в понедельник. У нас будет важное собрание во вторник.

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    Следует ли мне спросить Нину об этом? – Да, следует. Нет, не следует.

    Следует ли нам уехать в пятницу?

    Разве нам не следует рассказать Алексу об этой проблеме?

    Модальный глагол SHOULD в значении «совет» может заменять глагол MUST в значениях «большая необходимость» и «запрещение», если говорящий хочет звучать менее категорично.

    Вам следует / следовало бы пойти туда сразу же. (совет пойти туда)

    Вы должны / необходимо пойти туда сразу же. (сильная необходимость пойти туда)

    Вам не следует парковать машину здесь. (совет не парковаться здесь)

    Вы не должны / нельзя здесь парковать машину. (запрет: Вам не разрешается парковаться здесь.)

    The modal verb SHOULD is very common. Using SHOULD is a preferred way of giving advice for many native speakers. The modal verb SHOULD in the meaning «advice» is used in affirmative and negative statements and questions referring to the present, future, and past.

    Present and Future:

    Children should eat plenty of fruit.

    His car broke down again. He should definitely buy a new car.

    She should go to Spain this summer. It’s a beautiful country.

    It is eleven o’clock. You should be sleeping now.

    You shouldn’t call him tomorrow.

    You shouldn’t smoke in this room. Now I will have to air it.

    They shouldn’t stay here.

    You shouldn’t leave on Monday. We are going to have an important meeting on Tuesday.

    Should I ask Nina about it? – Yes, you should. No, you shouldn’t.

    Should we leave on Friday?

    Shouldn’t we tell Alex about this problem?

    The modal verb SHOULD in the meaning «advice» can replace MUST in the meanings «strong necessity» and «prohibition» if the speaker wants to sound less categorical.

    You should go there right away. (advice to go there)

    You must go there right away. (strong necessity to go there)

    You shouldn’t park here. (advice not to park your car here)

    You must not park here. (prohibition: You are not allowed to park here.)

    Had better or would rather?

    Had better or would rather, would prefer? We don’t use had better when we talk about preferences. We use would rather or would prefer.

    I’d better go (or I’ll be late).

    You’d better come back on Friday.

    You’d better be there on time.

    She’d better not come here again!

    Your cough is becoming worse. You had better see a doctor.

    You should have come back on Friday. You missed an important meeting.

    SHOULD in the past

    The modal verb SHOULD forms the past tense by adding the perfect infinitive of the main verb. Such constructions show that the speaker feels that the past action (or absence of action) was a mistake.

    (Infinitive forms are described in Modal Verbs Introduction and The Infinitive in the section Grammar.)

    You should have called her yesterday. Today is her day off.

    I should have studied harder for my exams. I failed two of them.

    You shouldn’t have spent all the money on new clothes. Now you don’t have enough money to buy food.

    She shouldn’t have told Mike about the present. It was supposed to be a secret.

    In the case of reported speech describing advice that was given in the past, two variants of constructions with SHOULD are possible: 1. should + perfect infinitive shows the action that took place in the past; 2. should + simple infinitive shows that you don’t know whether the action happened. Compare:

    The modal verb OUGHT TO is a close synonym for SHOULD. It is used in giving all kinds of advice too, but SHOULD is much more common than OUGHT TO. In American English, SHOULD is generally used instead of OUGHT TO in questions, in negative statements, and in the past.

    You ought to write a letter to Maria. / You should write a letter to Maria.

    You ought to have written a letter to Tom. / You should have written a letter to Tom.

    Should I call him?

    Should I have called him?

    OUGHT TO in the negative is not used very often. OUGHT TO in the negative may lose the particle «to» (She ought not smoke so much. She oughtn’t smoke so much.), but style manuals recommend using the particle «to» in such cases.

    She ought not to eat so much chocolate. / She shouldn’t eat so much chocolate.

    You ought not to have gone there alone. / You should not have gone there alone.

    Should and had better examples?

    If you’re a smoker, you had better not smoke there, because smoking is illegal in NYC parks. For awesome shopping, you should check out SOHO, and of course if you want to eat amazing pizza, you should got to Lombardi’s. You had better remember to bring cash, because they don’t take credit cards there.

    Would better or had better?

    Had better: form and meaning

    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. The verb form is always had, not have. We normally shorten it to ‘d better in informal situations.

    Should, ought to, had better

    The modal verbs of this group form two tenses: the present and the past. (HAD BETTER is not common in the past.) The future is expressed by the present tense with the help of the adverbs of time that refer to the future (for example, tomorrow, soon, next week), or without such adverbs, because advice, naturally, is given for the future.

    SHOULD в прошедшем времени

    Модальный глагол SHOULD образует прошедшее время прибавлением перфектного инфинитива основного глагола. Такие конструкции показывают, что говорящий считает, что прошлое действие (или отсутствие действия) было ошибкой.

    (Формы инфинитива описываются в материалах Modal Verbs Introduction и The Infinitive в разделе Grammar.)

    Вам следовало позвонить ей вчера. Сегодня у нее выходной день.

    Мне следовало лучше готовиться к экзаменам. Я провалил два из них.

    Вам не следовало тратить все деньги на новую одежду. Теперь у вас недостаточно денег, чтобы купить еду.

    Ей не следовало говорить Майку о подарке. Предполагалось, что это секрет.

    В случае косвенной речи, описывающей совет, который был дан в прошлом, возможны два варианта конструкций с SHOULD: 1. should + перфектный инфинитив показывает действие, которое имело место в прошлом; 2. should + простой инфинитив показывает, что вы не знаете, произошло ли действие. Сравните:

    1. Я сказал ему, что ему следовало выплатить свой долг своевременно. (Он не последовал моему совету и не выплатил долг.)

    2. Я сказал ему, что ему следует выплатить свой долг своевременно. (Я не знаю, последовал ли он моему совету и выплатил ли свой долг.)

    Практическая грамматика английского языка

    Сайт Деловой английский www.delo-angl.ru
    Опубликовано: 08.01.16

    Статья с переводом и аудиороликом на английском языке.

    Для передачи VOA Learning English, это Повседневная грамматика.

    На этой неделе мы собираемся показать вам, как дать совет, используя модальные глаголы. Модальные глаголы (для краткости называемые модальные) – это вспомогательные глаголы, выражающие отношение говорящего и силу этого отношения. Например, «He should visit Prague» (Он должен посетить Прагу). В этом предложении should – это модальный глагол, а visit – это смысловой глагол.

    Простая форма глагола идет после модального. Не добавляйте к глаголу после модального окончание «s» для обозначения третьего лица. Это будет звучать странно, если сказать: «He should visits Prague» или «He should to visit Prague.» Правильный способ – это «He should visit Prague» (Он должен посетить Прагу).

    В английском языке существует около 17 модальных – эксперты по грамматике не могут прийти к согласию о точном количестве. Сегодня мы обратим внимание на три обычных модальных, используемых для выражения совета: should, ought to и had better.

    Давайте начнем с should. Should имеет несколько значений. Он может быть использован для выражения уверенности, например, «He should be here by five o’clock» (Он должен быть здесь к пяти вечера). Should может служить заменой для условного слова if. Вы можете услышать, как кто-нибудь говорит: «Should you need help, just ask me» (Если тебе потребуется помощь, то просто попроси меня).

    Но чаще, мы используем should, чтобы давать предложения или дружеский совет, например, «You should apply for that job» (Ты должен обратиться с заявлением, чтобы получить эту работу) или «You should try that new restaurant» (Ты должен попробовать этот новый ресторан – то есть побывать в нем).

    Прошедшей формой модального should является should have + past participle (причастие прошедшего времени). Например, «I should have brought my wallet» (Я должен был бы (мне следовало) принести мой бумажник). Заметьте, что смысловой глагол brought стоит в форме past participle. Используйте should have, чтобы выразить сожаление или отрицательное чувство по отношению к прошлому. Представьте, что вы доверяли кому-то, и этот человек позже обманул вас. Вы могли бы сказать: «I should have known better than to trust him» (Мне следовало лучше узнать этого человека, а не доверять ему). Группа The Beatles использовала это выражение в популярной песне.

    I should have known better with a girl like you. (Мне следовало лучше узнать такую девушку, как ты).
    That I would love everything that you do. (Что я буду любить все, что ты делаешь).
    And I do. (И я полюбил).
    Hey hey hey. (Хей, хей, хей).

    Использование Ought to

    Следующий модальный, о котором мы поговорим – это ought to. Ought to – это другой модальный для выражения совета. Иногда ought to звучит больше как «otta», как в этой романтической песне в исполнении Al Green.

    Sit back down and talk to me (Откинься на спинку и поговори со мной)
    About how you want to be (О том, как ты хочешь жить)
    You ought to be with me (Ты должна быть со мной)
    Yeah you ought to be with me (Да, ты должна быть со мной)

    Ought to сходен по смыслу с should, но не используется так часто. В современном американском варианте английского языка ought to редко используется в прошедшем времени или в вопросительной форме.

    Использование Had better (лучше; лучше бы; следовало бы)

    Давайте перейдем к had better. Had better сильнее, чем should и ought to. Had better несет в себе непрямую (т.е. скрытую) угрозу. Например, если вы сказали: «You had better finish the report» (Вам лучше бы закончить этот отчет), то это не является вежливым предложением с вашей стороны. Вы высказываете непрямую угрозу. Другими словами, если вы не закончите отчет, то у вас будут неприятности. Официальные лица часто используют had better, когда говорят с подчиненными. Родители также часто используют эту форму.

    Послушайте персонажа из мультфильмов Malory Archer. Malory руководит шпионским агентством. Люди думают, что она высокомерна и бессердечна. Послушайте её тон, когда она использует had better.

    Oh for – I’ll send up some help. (Ах, если бы – я пошлю какую-нибудь помощь).
    And Missy, you had better watch it! (И, Мисси, вам лучше быть осторожной!)

    Как вы можете слышать, Malory не делает вежливого предложения. Она угрожает кому-то из своих подчиненных.

    Had better не всегда является невежливым. Это может выражать чувство срочности, как в «Your plane is leaving! You had better run!» (Твой самолет улетает! Тебе лучше бежать!) Had better не имеет прошедшего времени или вопросительной формы.

    Модальные глаголы при быстрой манере речи (rapid speech)

    Should, ought to и had better могут быть трудны для восприятия на слух изучающими английский язык. Носители языка часто сокращают эти слова в неофициальных диалогах. При быстрой речи, модальные, кажется, исчезают, потому что они сокращены и часто попадают на безударные слоги.

    I should have been listening to what she had to say. ⇒ I shoulda been listenin’ ta what she had t’ say. (Я должен был слушать, что она сказала).

    You ought to be ashamed of yourself. ⇒ You otta be ashamed of yourself. (Вам должно быть стыдно за себя).

    You had better decide what you want to do. ⇒ You’d better decide whatcha wanna do. (Вам лучше бы решить, что вы хотите делать).

    Это все советы, которые у нас есть для вас на сегодня. Существует ещё много сведений о модальных глаголах для изучения. Мы охватим их более подробно в будущих выпусках. А до тех пор, вы должны попрактиковаться в применении модальных глаголов с британской панк-группой The Clash.

    Darling you’ have got to let me know (Дорогая, ты должна была дать мне знать)
    Should I stay or should I go (Должен ли остаться или я должен идти)
    If you say that you are mine (Если ты скажешь, что ты моя)
    I’ll be here till the end of time (Я буду здесь до конца времен)
    So you’ve got to let me know (Так что, ты должна дать мне знать)
    Should I stay or should I go (Должен ли остаться или я должен идти)

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    Я Пит Масто. А я Джиль Робинс.

    Ниже, текст этой передачи на английском языке

    For VOA Learning English, this is Everyday Grammar.

    This week we are going to show you how to give advice using modal verbs. Modal verbs (called «modals» for short) are auxiliary verbs that express a speaker’s attitude and the strength of that attitude. For example, “He should visit Prague.”

    In this sentence, «should» is the modal verb, and «visit» is the main verb.

    The simple form of a verb goes after a modal. Do not add the third person “s” to a verb after a modal. It would sound strange to say “He should visits Prague” or “He should to visit Prague.” The correct way is “He should visit Prague.”

    There are about 17 modals in English – grammar experts do not agree on an exact number. Today we will focus on three common modals used for giving advice: should, ought to, and had better.

    Let’s start with «should». «Should» has multiple meanings. It can be used to express certainty, such as, “He should be here by five o’clock.” «Should» can be a substitute for the conditional word if. You might hear someone say, “Should you need help, just ask me.”

    But more often, we use «should» to give suggestions and friendly advice, such as “You should apply for that job” or “You should try that new restaurant.”

    The past form of the modal «should» is «should have + the past participle». For example, “I should have brought my wallet.” Notice that the main verb brought is in the past participle form. Use «should have» to express regret or a negative feeling about the past. Imagine you trusted someone and that person later cheated on you. You could say, “I should have known better than to trust him.” The Beatles used the expression in a popular song.

    I should have known better with a girl like you
    That I would love everything that you do
    And I do
    Hey hey hey

    Using Ought to

    The next modal we will talk about is «ought to». «Ought to» is another modal for giving advice. Sometimes «ought to» sounds more like “otta” as in this romantic song by Al Green.

    Sit back down and talk to me
    About how you want to be
    You ought to be with me
    Yeah you ought to be with me

    «Ought to» is similar in meaning to «should», but it is not used as often. In modern American English, «ought to» is seldom used with the past tense or in the question form.

    Using Had better

    Let’s move on to «had better». «Had better» is stronger than «should» and «ought to». «Had better» carries an indirect threat. For example, if you said, “You had better finish the report,” you are not making a polite suggestion. You are making an indirect threat. In other words, if you don’t finish the report, you are in trouble. Authority figures sometimes use had better when speaking to people below them. Parents also use this form often.

    Listen to cartoon character Malory Archer. Malory is the head of a spy agency. People think she is arrogant and heartless. Listen to her tone when she uses had better.

    Oh for—I’ll send up some help. And Missy, you had better watch it!

    As you can hear, Malory is not making a polite suggestion. She is threatening someone in a lower position.

    «Had better» is not always impolite, it could express a sense of urgency as in, “Your plane is leaving! You had better run!”  In other words, “If you don’t run, you will miss your flight.” «Had better» has no past tense or question form.

    Modals in rapid speech

    «Should», «ought to», and «had better» can be difficult for English learners to hear. Native speakers often shorten these words in casual conversation. In rapid speech, modals seem to disappear because they are shortened and often fall on unstressed syllables.

    We will read some examples for you. The first sentence will be in slow, careful speech. Then we will read it again in rapid, informal speech.

    I should have been listening to what she had to say. ⇒ I shoulda been listenin’ ta what she had t’ say.

    You ought to be ashamed of yourself. ⇒ You otta be ashamed of yourself.

    You had better decide what you want to do. ⇒ You’d better decide whatcha wanna do.

    That’s all the advice we have for you today. There is much more to learn about modals. We will cover them in more detail in future episodes. Until then, you should practice modals with British punk band, The Clash.

    Darling you’ve got to let me know
    Should I stay or should I go
    If you say that you are mine
    I’ll be here till the end of time
    So you’ve got to let me know
    Should I stay or should I go

    I’m Pete Musto. And I’m Jill Robbins.

    Прослушать аудио в формате mp3 с этим текстом

    Should had or should have?

    17 related questions found

    Would had use?

    “Would have had” is a type 3 conditional phrase that is used for situations that did not happen – an unreal, past situation. It’s used to describe a situation that “would have” happened if another situation were to take place.

    When to use have had or had?

    In the present perfect, the auxiliary verb is always have (for I, you, we, they) or has (for he, she, it). In the past perfect, the auxiliary verb is always had. We use have had in the present perfect when the main verb is also “have”: I’m not feeling well.

    Should I use better in a sentence?

    «I should better go now.» «I should better do something.» «I should better get an ipod. I think these are quite commonly used.

    Where do we use had better?

    Could vs Can grammar?

    Can, like could and would, is used to ask a polite question, but can is only used to ask permission to do or say something («Can I borrow your car?» «Can I get you something to drink?»). Could is the past tense of can, but it also has uses apart from that—and that is where the confusion lies.

    What is had better example?

    We had better buy travel insurance this time. — Thank you but I’d better not have another glass of wine because I’m driving. — We’d better get going—it looks like a storm is coming soon. — My doctor said I had better use less salt in my food because I’ve got pre-hypertension.

    Had been meaning?

    “Had been” is used to mean that something happened in the past and has already ended. “Have been” and “has been” are used to mean that something began in the past and has lasted into the present time.

    Is had better past tense?

    Had better + infinitive to refer to the present or future, e.g.I had better arrive earlier. Had better + perfect infinitive to refer to the past, e.g. I had better have arrived earlier yesterday.

    What you D stand for?

    contraction of you had:Sorry we missed you—you’d already left by the time we arrived. contraction of you would:You’d be foolish to pass up such an offer.

    Would rather use in English?

    Had Rather or would rather?

    they are both the same in meaning – when you prefer to have or do one thing more than another. Although, ‘had rather’ is more archaic and not as commonly used as ‘would rather’.

    Why dont we use sentences?

    «Why don’t we go bowling tonight?» «Why don’t we pick some fresh flowers?» «Why don’t we play a game of chess?» «Why don’t we save more money?»

    Had better should ought to?

    English speakers use the modal verbs “should,” “ought to” and “had better” to express that they think something is a good (or a bad) idea. “Should” is the most common way to give advice.

    What is better in a sentence?

    : more than half We waited the better part of an hour. : to make or become more satisfactory They are trying to better their performance. 1 : in a superior or more excellent way He sings better than I do. 2 : to a higher or greater degree She knows the story better than I do.

    Can I end a sentence with better?

    It is certainly correct grammar to end a sentence or clause with better.

    How can I use better in a sentence?

    When to use have had together in a sentence?

    Have you always had hay fever? ~ I’ve had it every summer since I was 13. Thus, your example sentence, Sazd, I’ve had a headache since early morning, is quite correct. Had had is the past perfect form of have when it is used as a main verb to describe our experiences and actions.

    Is having had correct?

    «having had» is actually a modifier phrase and not used often on the GMAT. «have had» is present perfect. Below are examples of how each could be used in a sentence: Having had chicken pox as a child, I will never get that disease again.

    How do you use had had?

    The past perfect form of have is had had (had + past participle form of have). The past perfect tense is used when we are talking about the past and want to refer back to an earlier past time. She felt marvelous after she had had a good night’s sleep. They dismissed him before he had had a chance to apologize.

    Should, ought to, had better

    Слово «совет» – обобщенный термин, который применяется для описания модальных глаголов SHOULD, OUGHT TO, HAD BETTER. Глагол SHOULD, главный модальный глагол в этой группе, может выражать мягкий или настоятельный совет всех видов, таких как совет, рекомендация, целесообразность, желательность, предложение-побуждение, обязанность, долг, ответственность. Модальный глагол OUGHT TO близкий синоним глагола SHOULD, а HAD BETTER выражает совет с предостережением о возможном неприятном результате, если указанному совету не последуют.

    Модальные глаголы этой группы образуют два времени: настоящее и прошедшее. (HAD BETTER обычно не употребляется в прошлом.) Будущее время выражается настоящим временем с помощью наречий времени, относящихся к будущему (например, завтра, скоро, на будущей неделе), или без таких наречий, так как совет, естественно, дается на будущее.

    Модальный глагол HAD BETTER

    Модальный глагол HAD BETTER выражает совет с предостережением о возможных неприятных последствиях или результатах, если указанному совету не последуют. HAD BETTER в основном употребляется в разговорной речи, в утвердительных и отрицательных повествовательных предложениях в настоящем времени. SHOULD употребляется вместо HAD BETTER в прошедшем времени.

    Мне лучше идти (а то опоздаю).

    Вам лучше бы вернуться в пятницу.

    Вам лучше быть там вовремя.

    Ей лучше сюда больше не приходить!

    Ваш кашель становится хуже. Вам лучше пойти к врачу.

    Вам следовало вернуться в пятницу. Вы пропустили важную встречу.

    Other phrases for giving advice

    You can use the verbs «tell, advise, recommend» in describing the advice given. Note that the verbs «advise, recommend» have peculiarities in the use of gerund or infinitive after them. Compare these examples:

    You should buy this car. / You ought to buy this car.

    You’d better buy this car now. It may be gone tomorrow.

    I told him that he should buy that car.

    I advise buying this car.

    I advise you to buy this car.

    I advise that you buy this car.

    I advised him not to buy that car.

    I recommend buying this car.

    I recommend that you buy this car.

    Advice may also be given in the form of a suggestion. For example:

    Why don’t you visit Spain this summer?

    You could go to France next year.

    You might go to a mountain resort next winter.

    If I were you, I would go to Italy in May.

    Рекомендации

    Употребите модальный глагол SHOULD для дачи совета и спрашивания совета в утвердительных и отрицательных повествовательных предложениях и вопросах, относящихся к настоящему, будущему и прошедшему. SHOULD очень распространен и гораздо легче в употреблении, чем OUGHT TO и HAD BETTER.

    Recommendations

    Use the modal verb SHOULD for giving advice and asking for advice in affirmative and negative statements and questions referring to the present, future and past. The modal verb SHOULD is very common and much easier to use than OUGHT TO and HAD BETTER.

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