文法: Grammar a Day - Level 3 [ 方が (houga) ]

方が (houga) - (often it'd be better to do __) Such-and-such an option is
something

--- Notes ---
Format: ta-form of verb or nonpast, negative form of verb +
ほうがいい（です）


--- Examples ---
３月１日の方が都合がよいのですが。
We feel that March 1 would be more convenient.

９時以降に電話した方が安いですか。
Is it cheaper to call after 9:00?

物事を生半可に知っているくらいなら全然知らない方がましだ。
I would rather not know a thing at all than know it imperfectly.

遅くても着実な方が競争に勝つ。
Slow but sure wins the race.

私は肉より魚の方がいい。
I prefer fish to meat.

無理をしない方がいいですよ。
You'd better not push yourself too much.

--- Comments ---
Two forms,
' no hou ga ___' (e.g. ３月１日の 方が 都合がよい)
' no hou ga ___' (e.g. 電話した方が安い)
If the verb is positive it is usually past tense, even if you are talking
about actions to be taken in the future.
If the verb is negative it does not need to be put into past tense.
(contributor: Amatuka)

Several forms,
' no hou ga ___' (e.g. ３月１日の 方が 都合がよい)
'[na-adjective] na hou ga ___' (e.g. 着実な 方が 競争に勝つ)
' no hou ga ___' (e.g. 電話した方が安い)
If the verb is positive it is usually past tense, even if you are talking
about actions to be taken in the future.
If the verb is negative it does not need to be put into past tense.
(contributor: Amatuka)

Amatuka-san, is the 'no' in your 'verb no hou ga __'supposed to be there?
If it is, then it is missing from your example. (contributor: Buaku)

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Tags: 文法: Grammar a Day - Level 3 [ 方が (houga) ], (often it'd be better to do __) Such-and-such an option is something