Had better + infinitive
Had better gives strong, urgent advice — it implies a negative consequence if you don't follow it. It refers to the present or near future.
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| had better + inf (positive) | You 'd better see a doctor — that cough sounds bad. |
| had better not + inf (negative) | You 'd better not be late — the boss is in a bad mood. |
| Question (rare) | Hadn't we better call first? |
Always 'd better, never 've better:
Had better is a fixed expression. Even though it contains "had", it refers to the present/future, not the past. Always contract to 'd better in speech: "You'd better hurry."
Implied threat:
Had better always implies "…or something bad will happen": "You'd better study — or you'll fail." This makes it stronger than should.
It's time
It's time means the moment has arrived to do something. There are two structures:
| Form | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| It's time + to-inf | Neutral — the right moment has come | It's time to leave. · It's time to start the meeting. |
| It's time + subject + past simple | Slightly critical — it should have happened already | It's time you went to bed. · It's time we left. |
| It's high time + subject + past simple | More urgent/critical — it is long overdue | It's high time you found a job. |
Past simple = present meaning:
When "It's time" is followed by subject + past simple, the past tense does NOT refer to the past. It expresses a present or future wish/need: "It's time you went" = You should go NOW.
Had better vs Should
| Had better | Should |
|---|---|
| Strong, urgent — implies bad consequence | Mild, general advice — no implied threat |
| "You'd better take your umbrella — it's going to pour." | "You should take an umbrella when it rains." |
| Only for present/future | Any time, plus "should have" for past |
Exercises
Choose the correct form.
1. The presentation is in 10 minutes. You ___ hurry!
2. You ___ touch that — it's very hot. (strong warning)
3. It's time you ___ your driving licence — you've been putting it off for a year.
4. It's high time we ___ a decision — we've been discussing this for hours.
5. It's time ___. The last bus leaves at midnight.