Difference between must and had better, examples, rules and sentences

 

The Difference: Must and had better

There is a small difference between the semi-modal verb had better and Must

• had better = used for strong advice, often with a threat or warning (The speaker warns about the Consequences of an action if someone did or did not)
• must = used for strong advice, obligation, and rules

Had better is used to give strong advice. as compare to must had better is informal that we only use when there is the threat (risk) of danger, if we do not follow/act upon the advice.

 See the following examples:

• You had better stop to the next filling station, because the tank is already empty.(The caution: If you don't, you may face some problems.)
• You must submit your fee tomorrow. (This is an obligation. It doesn't suggest a danger.)

Negative Sentences

• You had better not touch the live wire. (The danger: If you do, it may harm you.)
• You must not touch the live wire if your clothes are wet. (This is a rule if someone with wet clothes touches the live wire he will met electric shock)

Remember: we generally make negative sentences with “must not”

Instead   “ had better not”

We can say, must is factual or authoritative: had better is often a warning/Threat from someone with power or concern. generally, people use must not

 Let us see some examples:

·         You must respect your elders.

·         We must obey the rules.

·         She had better not forget to pay the fee because today is the last date.

·         I have headache, I must take an aspirin.

·         If your nose bleeds every night, you must consult your physician.

·         We must inform him because he is our fast friend.

·         We had better lock the main gate because we may reach very late.

·         They had better call the local police.