The Usage of Had Better/Should
Lamjung District: Lamjung is an exciting place. If you haven’t come here yet, I think you should consider it. If you do come, I can give you a lot of suggestions and advice. For instance, everyone who visits there should go to Ghale Gaun. If you’re a smoker, you had better not smoke there, because smoking is illegal in the parks. For awesome shopping, you should check out Beshisahar, and of course, if you want to eat amazing pizza, you should get to Pizza Hub. You had better remember to bring cash because they don’t take credit cards there.
HAD BETTER is used if we give a warning or the mightiest advice, whereas if something is about the normal suggestion, advice, or recommendation, we ought to use "Should."
Structure: 1. Subject + should/ should not + v1 + object.
Structure: 2. Subject +had better (not) +v1 +object
Should is used for giving soft advice
This is perhaps the advice-giving structure that is used the most frequently. Should and its opposite, shouldn't, are followed by the base form of the verb's infinitive like Agrata should play. They shouldn’t speak rough words. Next, I think/I don’t think is commonly used while using should like “I think Rita should attend the programs of writing.” Arjun doesn't think they should give him a chance.”
The contracted form of this pattern is frequently employed in spoken English. We apply the base form of the verb's infinitive after had better, and it's a negative form, had better not. It is not natural, but we use it only when there is a chance of harm. For example, Bharat had better eat this biscuit! It’s tasty. (Note that this sentence is wrong because if Bharat does not eat that biscuit, nothing wrong or harm that will happen.) Mr. Dauliya does poorly at +2, and gets bad grades. Unless he studies well, he can not pass his examination. therefore, his teacher can tell him to show the warning or danger to him like, "You had better study." Furthermore, we use "had better" to show our desperate hope like: "The micro-bus of Balaju had better get here soon."
Should is a modal verb that has more than one
meaning. The obvious meaning is that we use to give advice. You should quit
smoking, but it could also mean that you expect something to happen in the
future. You should brush your teeth. (This is just advice. You are saying it
would be a good idea.) John called and told me he's on his way. He should be
here soon. The past tense of ‘should’ is should have + past participle.
Had better is similar, but it's used for more urgent
advice with bad consequences if you don't follow it. You had better quit
smoking or you'll die. You had better brush your teeth. (The danger: If you
don’t, may have teeth problems.)
Let's have a look at the given two pictures below from NEB Grade XI Book.
Complete the sentences with should or
shouldn't. Use one of the verbs such as drink, visit, leave, roam, & quit
a. You have really done a wonderful job. I recommend
you …… it.
b. That's a very dangerous area. Tourists …… there.
c. I'm going to be late. Do you think I …… now?
d. Children …… sugary drinks. It's not very healthy.
e. I have lots of homework. I …… here and there
today.
Answers:
a. should not leave
b. should not visit
c. should visit
d. should not drink.
e. should not roam
Put in had better or should.
a. I think you …… learn English to enroll in a
university course.
b. It's a great film. You …… go and see it.
c. I have to meet my friend in ten minutes. I …… go
now or I'll be late.
d. These biscuits are delicious. You …… try one.
e. We …… get to the airport by 2 pm or else we may
miss the flight.
f. When people are driving, they …… keep their eyes on the road.
g. I …… get up early tomorrow. I've got a lot to do.
Answer
a. should
b. should
c. had better
d. should
e. had better
f. should
g. should