00 / Modal Verbs

'Dare'

The verb 'dare' functions as both a modal and a main verb to express courage or indignation. At the C1 level, it is primarily used in fixed expressions and negative modal forms.

C1Advanced

01 / Overview

The verb dare is a semi-modal verb. It can behave like a main verb (taking 'to' and 'do' support) or like a modal verb (no 'to', no 'do' support, and no 's' in the third person). In modern English, the modal form is almost exclusively found in negative statements and formal questions.

02 / Modal vs. Main Verb Form

Subject + daren't + bare infinitive / Subject + do not dare + to-infinitive

As a modal verb, it is followed by a bare infinitive. As a main verb, it is followed by a full infinitive with 'to'.

03 / Modal vs. Main Verb Usage

The modal form is significantly more formal and is common in British English. The main verb form is standard in all registers and more common in American English.

Feature	Modal (daren't)	Main Verb (dare)
Third Person	He dare not speak.	He doesn't dare to speak.
Negation	I daren't ask.	I don't dare to ask.
Infinitive	Bare (no 'to')	Full (with 'to')

04 / Fixed Expressions and Usage

05 / Common mistakes

He daren't to go there alone.
He daren't go there alone.
When using the modal 'daren't', do not use 'to' before the following verb.
She dares not speak.
She dare not speak.
In the modal form, there is no 's' for the third person singular.

06 / Practice

Rewrite using the modal form: 'She does not dare ask for a raise.'
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Answer: She dare not ask for a raise.
Why: The modal form 'dare not' (or daren't) removes the 'do' support and the third-person 's', followed by a bare infinitive.
Complete the expression of indignation: 'How ___ you open my private mail?'
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Answer: dare
Why: 'How dare you' is a fixed idiomatic expression used to express shock or anger at someone's actions.
Is 'I daren't to leave' grammatically correct?
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Answer: No
Why: The modal 'daren't' must be followed by a bare infinitive without 'to'.