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ESL forum >
Ask for help > Sentence structure
Sentence structure
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refis24
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Sentence structure
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Hi all,
I am having a bit of trouble with this sentence structure.
You had better not go out.
You = pronoun
had = verb
better = noun??
not = adverb??
Is this the correct structure?
Thanks in advance.
Refiye |
30 Apr 2010
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simos
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had better is a modal as far as I know |
30 Apr 2010
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almaz
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�Had better� is not strictly a modal but works like one, particularly as a strong recommendation or a warning.
Incidentally, refis24, you could do worse than rethink your whole parsing/analysis thing (�better�= noun?).
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30 Apr 2010
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lshorton99
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Check your email! Sorry for the delay! 
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1 May 2010
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mcolon
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It �s definitely modal. Better is an adverb actually.
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1 May 2010
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petite.nhinhi
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Hi, "had better" nearly has the same meaning as "should" and it �s usually used together!
"Better", when it�s used alone, it �s an adjective (comparative of good), an adv
1.of a higher standard or less poor quality; not as bad as sth else:
We�re hoping for better weather tomorrow.
Her work is getting better and better.
He is in a much better mood than usual.
The meal couldn�t have been better.
There�s nothing better than a long soak in a hot bath.
2.more able or skilled:
She�s far better at science than her brother.
3.more suitable or appropriate:
Can you think of a better word than �nice�?
It would be better for him to talk to his parents about his problems. � You�d be better going by bus.
4.less ill / sick or unhappy:
She�s a lot better today.
His leg was getting better.
You�ll feel all the better for a good night�s sleep
adverb (comparative of well)
in a more excellent or pleasant way; not as badly:
She sings much better than I do.
Sound travels better in water than in air.
People are better educated now.
2more; to a greater degree:
You�ll like her when you know her better.
A cup of tea? There�s nothing I�d like better!
Fit people are better able to cope with stress.
3used to suggest that sth would be a suitable or appropriate thing to do:
The money could be better spent on more urgent cases.
Some things are better left unsaid.
You�d do better to tell her everything before she finds out from someone else.
[ Oxford Advanced learner�s dic^^]
Big hugs
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1 May 2010
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