It's time, would rather and had better look simple, but they bend the usual tense rules: two of them use a past form to talk about now or the future. Get them right and your preferences, advice and warnings will sound natural and precise.
The pattern
It's time we updated the website.
I'd rather you called me first.
You'd better back up your files.
01It's time
Use it's time + to + verb to say that now is the right moment: "It's time to wrap up." Add a person with for: "It's time for us to leave." To say something should already be happening, often with a complaint, use it's time / it's about time / it's high time + subject + past simple: "It's about time you got a raise."
02Would rather
When the preference is about your own action, use would rather + base verb, with than for the other option. When you want someone else to act, use would rather + person + past simple, even though you mean now or the future. In casual American speech you will also hear "I'd rather you call me," but the past form is the safe, standard choice.
| Structure | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| would rather + verb | my preference | I'd rather take the train. |
| would rather + verb + than + verb | preference between two | I'd rather rent than buy right now. |
| would rather not + verb | I prefer not to | I'd rather not discuss salary yet. |
| would rather + person + past | I want someone else to act | I'd rather you sent it today. |
| would rather + have + past participle | a past preference or regret | I'd rather have flown. |
03Had better
Had better + base verb gives strong advice with a warning: something bad will happen if you don't. It is stronger than should, so avoid it with your boss or a client. The negative is had better not. Even though it has had, it talks about now or the future. In relaxed American speech, the had often disappears: "You better hurry." That is fine in conversation but write "You'd better" in emails.
- We'd better leave now or we'll hit traffic on the 101.
- You'd better not tell Mom about the dent in the car.
- I'd better call the bank before it closes.
04Common mistakes
I'd rather to stay in tonight.
I'd rather stay in tonight.
Would rather is followed by a base verb, with no to.
You had better to call your landlord.
You'd better call your landlord.
Had better is followed by a base verb, with no to.
You'd better don't forget your badge.
You'd better not forget your badge.
The negative is had better not + base verb.
I'd rather drive that fly.
I'd rather drive than fly.
The second option is introduced by than.