Had Best vs. Had Better

Attribute	Had Best	Had Better
Usage	Less common	More common
Formality	More formal	Less formal
Intensity	Stronger	Weaker
Advice	Strong recommendation	Mild recommendation

Introduction

When it comes to expressing advice or suggestions in English, two common phrases that are often used are "had best" and "had better." While both phrases serve a similar purpose, there are subtle differences in their usage and implications. In this article, we will explore the attributes of "had best" and "had better" to understand when and how each should be used.

Meaning and Usage of "Had Best"

The phrase "had best" is used to give advice or make a suggestion about what someone should do in a particular situation. It is often used to indicate that a particular course of action is the most appropriate or advisable. For example, "You had best leave now if you want to catch the last train." In this context, "had best" is used to convey a sense of urgency or importance.

One key attribute of "had best" is that it is typically followed by the base form of a verb. This means that the verb that comes after "had best" does not have an -s ending, even if the subject of the sentence is third person singular. For example, "He had best study for the exam if he wants to pass."

Meaning and Usage of "Had Better"

Similar to "had best," the phrase "had better" is also used to give advice or make a suggestion. However, "had better" is often used to convey a stronger sense of necessity or warning. It implies that there will be negative consequences if the advice is not followed. For example, "You had better not be late for the meeting if you want to keep your job."

Unlike "had best," "had better" is followed by the base form of a verb without the word "to." This means that the verb that comes after "had better" is in its bare form. For example, "She had better call her parents to let them know she will be late."

Comparison of Attributes

While both "had best" and "had better" are used to give advice or make suggestions, "had better" is generally considered to be more forceful and urgent in its tone. It often implies a stronger warning about the consequences of not following the advice. On the other hand, "had best" is more neutral and simply suggests the most appropriate course of action without necessarily emphasizing the potential negative outcomes.

Another key difference between the two phrases is their grammatical structure. "Had best" is followed by the base form of a verb, while "had better" is followed by the base form of a verb without the word "to." This distinction is important to remember when using either phrase in a sentence.

Examples of Usage

Here are some examples to illustrate the differences in usage between "had best" and "had better":

• "You had best bring an umbrella with you if it looks like rain." (Neutral advice)
• "You had better not forget to lock the door before you leave." (Strong warning)
• "He had best start working on his project now if he wants to finish on time." (Neutral advice)
• "She had better apologize to her friend if she wants to salvage their relationship." (Strong warning)

Conclusion

In conclusion, both "had best" and "had better" are useful phrases for giving advice or making suggestions in English. While they share similarities in their meaning and usage, there are subtle differences in their tone and implications. Understanding when to use "had best" for neutral advice and "had better" for stronger warnings can help you communicate more effectively in various situations.