English · Greetings & Phrases
had better
/hæd ˈbɛtər/
[/hæd ˈbɛtər/]
should; ought to
Intermediatephrase
Definition
Used to give strong advice or a warning about what someone should do.
Example
You had better leave now or you'll miss the train.
You had better leave now or you'll miss the train.
Etymology
From an older construction meaning 'it would be better if', now fixed.
How & Where It’s Used
Common for strong advice or warnings.