French Phrase: “Il Vaut Mieux…”

The phrase "Il vaut mieux" means "it is better" in English.This phrase is commonly used to give advice, make suggestions, or express a preference for one option over another.

Here's the breakdown:

• "Il": a pronoun that usually means "he" or "it" in French, but in this context, it acts as a dummy subject, similar to "it" in English when used impersonally (like in "it is raining").
• "Vaut": This is the third person singular form of the verb "valoir," which means "to be worth." So, "vaut" means "is worth."
• "Mieux": This word means "better." It’s the comparative form of "bien," which means "well."

Together, "il vaut mieux" literally means "it is worth better," but in practice, it's used to say "it is better" or "it is preferable."

"Il vaut mieux partir maintenant."

It is better to leave now.

Note that in everyday talk, we often skip the "il". So we'll say:

"Vaut mieux partir maintenant!"

Here's another example:

"Il vaut mieux prévenir que guérir."

It is better to prevent than to cure

Note: this is a very commonly used French saying which means that taking steps to avoid a problem is better than dealing with it after it has happened.

"Il ne vaut mieux pas lui dire ça!"

It's better not to tell him that!

Using "il vaut mieux" with "que"

"Il vaut mieux que..." means "it's better that...". It can also translate to "you'd better (do something)".

Il vaut mieux que is followed by a verb in the subjunctive mood. Remember, the subjunctive is a verb form used in French to express uncertainty, possibility, or something that is not certain.

"Il vaut mieux que tu partes tout de suite."

It’s better that you leave right away.

"Il vaut mieux que tu prennes un manteau. "

It’s better that you take a coat.

"Il vaut mieux que nous attendions."

It’s better that we wait.

This is similar to "Il vaut mieux attendre."

Interesting note: in English, we also use the subjunctive mood after "it's better that" or similar phrases, even though it's often overlooked in everyday speak. So this is grammatically correct:

It's better that she leave now. (not "leaves", as we use the subjunctive)

Alternative phrase: "Ferait bien/mieux de"

"Ferait mieux de" (or "Ferait bien de") is another French expression used to give advice or suggest a better course of action. It translates to "would do better to" or "had better" in English.

This phrase is less formal than "il vaut mieux que" and is often used in more direct or personal advice.

"Tu ferais mieux de rester à la maison"

You would do better to stay home
You’d better stay home.

It’s commonly used in everyday conversations when advising someone on what they should do in a particular situation.

Unlike "il vaut mieux que," which typically requires the subjunctive mood, "ferait mieux de" is followed by an infinitive verb, which makes it a simpler and more straightforward way to express advice or recommendations.

"Tu ferais mieux de bosser un peu plus!"

You'd better work a little more.

Alternative phrase: "Avoir intérêt à"

"Avoir intérêt à" is a French expression that translates to "had better" or "would be wise to" in English. It's used to strongly suggest or warn someone that they should do something if they want to avoid negative consequences.

It's typically followed by an infinitive verb:

"Tu as intérêt à finir tes devoirs"

You'd better finish your homework
You’d be wise to finish your homework.

This phrase is often used to emphasize the importance of taking a certain action. Unlike "ferait mieux de," which is more about giving advice, "avoir intérêt à" expresses an urgency or a warning.

It implies that not following the advice could lead to a bad outcome.