Would Rather / Prefer / Had Better Dictation: Advice with Had Better

Hear had better as advice about this situation. Despite had, the phrase can concern now or the future. A base verb follows better, with no to; a negative puts not between better and that verb. The advice often suggests a problem if someone ignores it, so listen to the reason as well as the suggested action. It is a different meaning from would rather, which expresses preference. Keep the full advice phrase as heard rather than changing had to a future auxiliary.