would be better=had better ??

[Anonymous]

hi. Can anyone explain to me the meaning of the following sentence?
You would be better off taking the train.
Can i use should instead of would?

 

[Tdol]

They are similar, though 'had better' is stronger. Your sentence is just offering an opinion. I wouldn't use 'should' here; you'd need more context:

You should be better off taking the train, but there's a strike at the moment.
;-)

 

[MikeNewYork]

hi. Can anyone explain to me the meaning of the following sentence?
You would be better off taking the train.
Can i use should instead of would?

There may be a difference between American and British English here. In AE, we use either "would" or "should" in that construction.

Both are offering an opinion, but the "should" form will usually come from someone who has actual experience with the trip. The "would" form is more likely an opinion based on general knowledge.

 

[Tdol]

Interesting- another difference. ;-)

 

[MikeNewYork]

Interesting- another difference. ;-)

Viva la difference! :wink: