It had better ?

Question

I found some examples on google,It had better be today,or I am calling the policeIt had better be goodHere are my questions, It in had better phrases is used as an anaphoric pronoun or dummy(expletive) it?second, It had better be good means It should be good in its quality and stuff like that? or any other meanings in this sentence?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

cho7712It in had better phrases is used as an anaphoric pronoun or dummy(expletive) it?

It can be either one. It depends on the context, i.e., what came before. In other words, the use of "had better" has no effect whatsoever on the uses of "it" that are normally possible in all other sentences.

- He has an explanation of why he has been late every day this week.
- It (= the explanation) had better be good.

It had better not rain tomorrow or we'll have to cancel the picnic. (expletive "it" in 'weather' sentences)

cho7712It had better be good means ...

It is a mild threat that some unpleasant consequences will come to pass if it is not good.

CJ

Anonymous · Answer

In, "It had better be today, or I'm calling the police.", "it" refers to a definite something that the speaker wants done today. In, "It had better be good.", "it" refers to a definite something that the speaker wants done, to his satisfaction.

Both sentences are very strong threats - you would not use this type of sentence except in the most extreme situations. The speaker is saying that "it" - whatever that happens to be - must be done today, or to his satisfaction, respectively, or else. The "or else" is "he's calling the police," in the first sentence. The "or else" is not spelled out in the second sentence, but the threat of it is there nevertheless.

Cho7712 · Answer

thanks all of you guys, now I get a clear understanding.

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