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Should and had better Teacher: Pablo Lpez.

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Objectives: To identify the uses of should and had better. To distinguish the contexts related to should and the ones related to had better.

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Should You should do something = it is a good thing to do or the right thing to do. You can use should to give advice or to give an opinion: You look tired. You should go to bed. The government should do more to improve education. Should we invite Stephanie to the party? Yes, I think we should.

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Should We often use should with I think / I dont think / Do you think ?: I think the government should do more to improve education. I dont think you should work so hard. Do you think I should apply for this job? Yes, I think you should.

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Should You shouldnt do something = it isnt a good thing to do: You shouldnt believe everything you read in the newspapers. Should is not as strong as must or have to: You should apologize. (= it would be a good thing to do) You must apologize. / You have to apologize. (= you have no alternative)

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Exercise 1

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Had better (Id better, youd better, etc.) Id better do something = it is advisable to do it. If I dont do it, there will be a problem or danger: I have to meet Amy in ten minutes. Id better go now or Ill be late. Shall I take an umbrella? Yes, youd better. It may rain. Wed better stop for petrol soon. The tank is almost empty.

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Had better (Id better, youd better, etc.) The negative is Id better not (= I had better not): The jacket looks good on you. Are you going to buy it? Id better not. Its too expensive. You dont look very well. Youd better not go out tonight.

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Had better (Id better, youd better, etc.) Remember that: The form is had better (usually Id better / youd better etc. in spoken English). Id better phone Chris, hadnt I? Had is normally past, but the meaning of had better is present or future, not past. Id better go to the bank now / tomorrow. We say Id better do (not to do): It might rain. Wed better take an umbrella. (not Wed better to take)

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Exercise 2

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Had better and should Had better is similar to should, but not exactly the same. We use had better only for a specific situation, not for things in general. You can use should in all types of situations to give an opinion or give advice: Its late. Youd better go. / You should go. (a specific situation). Youre always at home. You should go out more often. (in general not had better go)

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Had better and should Also, with had better, there is always a danger or a problem if you dont follow the advice. Should means only it is a good thing to do. Compare: Its a great film. You should go and see it. (but no problem if you dont) The film starts at 8:30. Youd better go now or youll be late.

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Exercise 3