ought to / had better
ought to / had better means “ought to: advice like should; had better: a warning about a bad result”. Ought to + base verb gives advice and means almost the same as should: You ought to see a doctor. Formation: ought to + base verb · had better ('d better) + base verb
ought to: advice like should; had better: a warning about a bad result
B1Formation
ought to + base verb · had better ('d better) + base verb
Explanation
Ought to + base verb gives advice and means almost the same as should: You ought to see a doctor. Had better + base verb is stronger: it warns that not doing the thing will lead to a bad result, so it often carries a sense of urgency or threat: You had better hurry, or you'll miss the train. In speech had better is usually shortened to 'd better.
Examples
Note
Had better looks like a past form but points to the near future. Its negative keeps not after better: You'd better not be late — not You hadn't better.
FAQ
ought to / had better — what does it mean and how is it used?
ought to: advice like should; had better: a warning about a bad result. Ought to + base verb gives advice and means almost the same as should: You ought to see a doctor. Had better + base verb is stronger: it warns that not doing the thing will lead to a bad result, so it often carries a sense of urgency or threat: You had better hurry, or you'll miss the train. In speech had better is usually shortened to 'd better.
ought to / had better — how do you form it?
ought to + base verb · had better ('d better) + base verb
ought to / had better — any usage notes?
Had better looks like a past form but points to the near future. Its negative keeps not after better: You'd better not be late — not You hadn't better.