Had Better Exercises
B1-B2 Level
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The negative form is had better not + base verb: "You'd better not be late" or "He had better not tell anyone." Do not add "to" after better, and do not use a past form after it. In transformation exercises, notice the warning in the original sentence: should, need to, ought to, commands, and phrases such as "It's essential" can all become had better when the meaning is clearly urgent advice with possible consequences.
Quick Rule
subject + had better / 'd better + base verb | subject + had better not / 'd better not + base verb | had better + base verb + or + consequence
- 1.You'd better hurry or you'll miss the train.
- 2.I had better finish this report before the meeting starts.
- 3.She'd better see a doctor if the pain continues.
- 4.We'd better not leave the tickets at home.
- 5.They had better check the timetable before they travel.
All 20 questions
Transform each piece of advice or warning into a sentence using 'had better'. Remember that 'had better' implies negative consequences if the advice isn't followed.
You should hurry or you'll miss the train.
Rewrite using 'had better':
I need to leave now or I'll be late.
Rewrite using 'had better':
She should see a doctor. (warning)
Rewrite using 'had better':
You shouldn't be late again. (warning)
Rewrite using 'had better not':
We should start now or we won't finish in time.
Rewrite using 'had better':
He shouldn't tell anyone about this. (warning)
Rewrite using 'had better not':
You need to call your mother. (advice)
Rewrite using 'had better':
It would be wise to book tickets in advance.
Rewrite using 'had better':
I recommend that you apologise to her.
Rewrite using 'had better':
Don't forget your passport! (warning)
Rewrite using 'had better not':
They should study hard or they'll fail the exam.
Rewrite using 'had better':
It's important that I finish this today. (self-advice)
Rewrite using 'had better':
You really shouldn't eat so much sugar. (health warning)
Rewrite using 'had better not':
I advise you to check the weather before leaving.
Rewrite using 'had better':
Stop interrupting me! (angry warning)
Rewrite using 'had better':
It's essential that we leave by 6am.
Rewrite using 'had better':
Don't even think about lying to me. (threat)
Rewrite using 'had better not':
You ought to take an umbrella - it looks like rain.
Rewrite using 'had better':
I must get some sleep tonight.
Rewrite using 'had better':
Whatever you do, don't tell the boss about this mistake.
Rewrite using 'had better not':
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