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David
What's the difference between better and had better?
I come up with this question since I've been a little bit confused about the difference when saying, for example:
It's too dangerous to walk downtown at night. I better/I'd better take a bus.
Is there any difference or can I just use both interchangeably?
Thanks in advance.
Aug 17, 2021 5:59 AM
Answers Ā· 3
1
Ensure vs. Insure
Can you use these words in a sentence? š
Some people š¤ these words are interchangeableāļø, but "insure" is usually related to financial terms, while "ensure" usually means "to make certain."šš¼
Try and use these words in two different sentence,šI will be happy to correct you or indicate whether you are on the right track.āļø
By the way my name is Nico.šš»āāļø I am a native English speakerš£ļø and professional English teacher.š
If you are looking for a dedicatedš and reliableš English teacher, be sure to check out my profile.āļø
You can book a trial lessonš» with me for only 1$ or alternatively, you can book a formal structured lesson.š
I look forward to seeing you soon in one of my English classes.š¤
August 17, 2021
1
Oh, one more exception. People tend to prefer "I better" if there's going to be another 'have/had' in the rest of the sentence.
"He better have my money." - Fine, sounds natural.
"He had better have my money." - Sounds a bit strange.
August 17, 2021
1
From what I understand, "I had better" is the correct way to say it and always has been.
People are prone to taking shortcuts in language though, so this was shortened to "I'd better." But then the 'D' sound eventually got lost when speaking naturally, so now in casual everyday speech it's very common to simply say "I better" even though it's technically wrong.
They're interchangeable in every context except super formal settings, where "Had better" is the only correct way.
August 17, 2021
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David
Language Skills
English, French, Portuguese, Spanish
Learning Language
English, French, Portuguese
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