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Usage of "had"

1. In thepast perfect tense, something has happened before a set time in the past. "Had" will be followed by a past participle (ed or en verb part)

He‘d called me before the party.

We’d known about the quiz.

She’d eaten at that restaurant before that day we met her there.

Before playing the match, he’d gotten the new racquet.

2. The idiom "had better", which is stronger than "should", it is advisable. "Had" will be followed by the simple verb form

You’d better tell the boss.

He’d better pay as soon as possible.

We’d better leave now if we want to get there on time.

1. In conditional sentences

A. Present contrary to fact; followed by the simple verb form.

I‘d go if I could.

If she had the money, she’d help us.

If the neighbors knew where he was, they’d tell us.

1. Past contrary to fact; followed by "have and a past participle" (present perfect).

I ‘d have gone if I could have.

If she’d had the money, she’d have helped us.

If the neighbors’d known where he was, they’d have told us.

1. The idiom "would rather" which means " to prefer", followed by the simple form verb.

I’d rather see the movie than go dancing.

She’d rather take the morning plane.

We’d rather not go.

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