Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'had better' for urgent advice and 'it's time' to signal that an action is overdue.
- Had better is followed by the base verb: You had better leave now.
- The negative is had better not: You had better not be late.
- It's time is followed by the past tense: It's time we left.
Overview
- You 'd better see a doctor.
- We 'd better hurry — we're late.
- She 'd better apologise.
- You 'd better not be late.
- He 'd better not forget.
- It's time to go.
- It's time to make a decision.
- It's time you called your parents. (you should have already)
- It's time he got a job.
- It's time we left.
Had Better Structure
| Subject | Modal | Verb (Base) | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
|
You
|
'd better
|
go
|
now
|
|
He
|
'd better
|
not
|
wait
|
|
We
|
'd better
|
call
|
them
|
Contractions
| Full | Short |
|---|---|
|
I had better
|
I'd better
|
|
You had better
|
You'd better
|
|
He had better
|
He'd better
|
Meanings
These structures express strong advice or the necessity of immediate action based on a deadline or expectation.
Urgent Warning
Strong advice where negative consequences are implied if ignored.
“You had better lock the door.”
“We had better hurry or we'll miss the train.”
Overdue Action
Indicating that a situation should have started or happened already.
“It's time we went home.”
“It's time you started looking for a new job.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Sub + 'd better + V
|
You'd better go.
|
|
Negative
|
Sub + 'd better + not + V
|
You'd better not go.
|
|
It's Time
|
It's time + Sub + Past V
|
It's time we left.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
It is advisable to depart. (Leaving a place)
You had better leave. (Leaving a place)
You'd better get going. (Leaving a place)
Time to bounce. (Leaving a place)
Urgency Map
Advice
- Had better Strong warning
レベル別の例文
You had better go.
...
It's time to eat.
...
You had better sleep.
...
It's time for school.
...
You had better not be late.
...
It's time we left the party.
...
You had better call her.
...
It's time you finished your work.
...
We had better start early to avoid traffic.
...
It's time we had a serious talk about our future.
...
You had better not tell anyone about this.
...
It's time the government took action.
...
You had better have the report ready by noon.
...
It's time we stopped pretending everything is fine.
...
You had better not have forgotten the tickets.
...
It's time you were treated with more respect.
...
He had better ensure that the contract is signed.
...
It's time we addressed the underlying issues.
...
You had better not underestimate the competition.
...
It's time we were moving on to the next phase.
...
One had better exercise caution in these volatile markets.
...
It's time we were held accountable for our actions.
...
You had better not have been misleading the board.
...
It's time we reconsidered our entire strategy.
...
間違えやすい
Should is advice; Had better is a warning.
よくある間違い
You have better go.
You had better go.
It's time we go.
It's time we went.
You had better to go.
You had better go.
It's time for us that we go.
It's time we went.
文型パターン
You had better ___.
Real World Usage
You'd better be there!
Don't use 'to'
Smart Tips
Use had better for urgency.
発音
Contraction
The 'd' in 'd better' is often barely heard.
Warning
You had BETTER leave.
Strong emphasis on the verb.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Had better is a threat; It's time is a regret.
視覚的連想
Imagine a ticking clock for 'It's time' and a warning sign for 'Had better'.
Rhyme
Had better is a warning sign, It's time means you're past the line.
Story
John had better finish his work. It's time he realized he is late. He had better hurry.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Write 3 sentences using 'had better' and 3 using 'it's time' about your daily routine.
文化メモ
Often used with a dry sense of humor.
Had better comes from the idea of 'it would be better'.
会話のきっかけ
What is something you had better do today?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
You ___ better leave.
Score: /1
練習問題
1 exercisesYou ___ better leave.
Score: /1
よくある質問 (1)
No, it's only for present/future.
Scaffolded Practice
1
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Sería mejor
English uses had better.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
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