Be better, had better

Question

Hello everybody! I just can't understand the usages of these idioms.
On my Oxford dictionary you can read the example "You'd be better going by bus", but on many sites dealing with English grammar they say you can use "You'd better" or "You'd be better off". So I just can't figure out where the Oxford phrase has gone!

Thank you so much.

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

The two are different.

You'd better is followed by the base form of a verb. 'd means had.

You'd better lie down if your headache doesn't go away soon.
You had better check again to be sure the oven is off before we leave.
You'd better make yourself look busy, because the boss is on his way here.
________

You'd be better off is followed by the -ing form of a verb. 'd means would.

You'd be better off waiting a few months before buying because the price will probably go down.
You would be better off asking someone for directions because our map isn't very accurate.
You'd be better off seeing a specialist rather than seeing a general practitioner.

You'd be better off can also be followed by other parts of speech.

You'd be better off without that hat.
You'd be better off if you phoned first.
You'd be better off dead.
_________

You'd better tends to suggest something threatening.

You'd better get out of here before I call the police.

You'd be better off tends to be associated with friendly advice.

You'd be better off going to sleep earlier.
_________

Of course you can change the subject pronoun in any of these: I'd better; I'd be better off; they'd better; they'd be better off; and so on.

CJ

P.S. I'm not familiar with You'd be better + -ing.
It seems to be a substitute for You'd be better off + -ing.
Maybe it's British English.

Be better, had better

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