What differences are there between "had better" and "should"?

Question

I had better go to bed.I should go to bed.Hi, my name is Yasu.In Japan, it is said that above sentences are same meaning.Of course, actually, I think these have very close meaning, but probably nuances are different.I think "had better" contains some bad results which will happen in the future.For example, in "I had better go to bed.", If I don't go to bed soon, I will be late for work or get a illness or die.It's like a threat.I think "should" doesn't contain some bad results.This isn't like a threat.It's just advice like a way to the future.For example, in "I should go to bed.", I 'm recommending to go to bed for myself.Are my ideas odd?What differences are there between "had better" and "should"?Could you show me your ideas or feelings for these sentences?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

yasu_englishIn Japan, it is said that above sentences are same meaning.

I agree.

yasu_englishAre my ideas odd?

I think that you are reading more into the two phrases than a native speaker does.

yasu_englishWhat differences are there between "had better" and "should"?Could you show me your ideas or feelings for these sentences?

I don't really see anything significant. 'Ought to' is also essentially synonymous. Of course, that is when they are all used to mean 'it is a good idea to..'

Yasu_english · Answer

Hi, Mister Micawber.
In this situation, I think "should"'s feeling maybe coexist with "had better"'s it,
so both can be used because of these differences aren't clearly.

Thanks for your comment.

What differences are there between "had better" and "should"?

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