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Djb Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

I had better pay the bill

Hi all,

Why is it 'I had better pay the bill'

'had' is the past of 'have' so why is it referring to the future? Could someone explain if this correct and why?

Thank you in advance
  

Top answer

'Had better' is a modal verb like 'can,may,should,must'. It isn't about have, and it is a correct sentence.

— Notorioz

  • 'Had better' is a modal verb like 'can,may,should,must'.
  • It isn't about have, and it is a correct sentence.
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4 Answers
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'Had better' is a modal verb like 'can,may,should,must'. It isn't about have, and it is a correct sentence.
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DjbWhy is it 'I had better pay the bill''had' is the past of 'have' so why is it referring to the future? Could someone explain if this correct and why?
"Had better" is an idiom. It has two meanings 1) ought to 2) would be wise/ sensible/ advisable to
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AlpheccaStarsIt is always an action in the present time.
Not necessarily: You'd better stay home tomorrow.
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fivejedjonNot necessarily: You'd better stay home tomorrow.
The advice is given in the present time of the speaker. Of course the recommendation given is in the present or future.
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