Advisability -- Had better

                              Advisability – Had better

    Remember that “Had better” is similar to a modal. Although “Had” appears to be a past,  

    “had better” expresses advice for the future. Avoid using an infinitive or a past form of a 

     verb instead of a verb word. Avoid using “don’t” instead of “not”.

       Examples:

            1.      Incorrect: You had better to hurry if you don’t want to miss the bus.

            Correct: You had better hurry if you don’t want to miss the bus.

          

            2.      Incorrect: We had better made reservations so that we will be sure of getting a good 

                                      table.

            Correct: We had better make reservations so that we will be sure of getting a good table.

            3.      Incorrect: We had better to check the schedule.

            Correct: We had better check the schedule.

            4.      Incorrect: You had better don’t quit your job until you find another one.

            Correct: You had better not quit your job until you find another one.

            5.      Incorrect: You had better don’t go alone.

            Correct: You had better not go alone.

            6.      Incorrect: To check for acidity, one had better to use litmus paper.

           Correct: To check for acidity, one had better use litmus paper.

           7.      Incorrect: In today’s competitive markets, even small businesses had better to advertise 

                           on TV  and radio in order to gain a share of the market.

         Correct: In today’s competitive markets, even small businesses had better advertise on  

                        TV and radio in order to gain a share of the market.