1) The document discusses the expressions "would rather" and "had better" followed by the bare infinitive. "Would rather" indicates preference, while "had better" warns against something and implies a problem may arise if the advice is not followed. 2) Examples are provided to illustrate the use of each expression, and exercises ask the reader to complete sentences using "would rather" or "had better" correctly. 3) The document provides advice for various situations using "had better" to emphasize potential problems that could occur if the advice is not followed.

1. Start-up 11 | Virgínia Barros, Vanessa Reis Esteves, Luísa Barros
Expressions followed by
the bare infinitive −
would rather / had better

2. Would rather (’d rather):
• To indicate a preference
• Would rather = would prefer to
Compare:
• I would rather go shopping in a high street than in
a shopping centre.
• I would prefer to go shopping in a high street than
in a shopping centre.
would rather + bare infinitive

3. Had better (’d better):
• To warn someone against something:
• You had better work harder!
• To show that if you don’t follow the advice given,
a problem may arise.
• Had better is similar to but stronger than “should”.
had better + bare infinitive

4. Complete with would rather or had better and
the verb in brackets in the appropriate form.
a) We __________________ (work) during the holidays than
spend them all at home.
b) The weather is fine. We ______________ (go) jogging.
c) Jane said she _________________ (travel) to Spain than to
France.
d) They are only talking. You ______________________ (not
intervene).
e) It’s so late! You _______________ (go) by taxi.
f) I ___________________ (watch) the new TV series than the
novella.
had better go
would rather work
would rather travel
had better not intervene
had better go
would rather watch

5. Read the following situations and give
advice using had better.
a) It’s already 6 o’clock. We…
b) Joss isn’t doing well enough. She…
c) They have an appointment for the dentist today. They…
d) I ran for hours and now I’m starving. You…
e) Lots of students eat fast food at school. They…
f) TV programmes are getting repetitive and boring. He…
had better go home.
had better work harder.
had better eat and drink something.
had better not miss it.
had better switch the TV off and go for a walk.
had better eat fresh food like fruit and vegetables.