DARE

DARE

Some verbs have characteristics of both modal verbs and main verbs. Because of this, they are called semi-modals. An example of this kind of verbs is DARE.

DARE means to challenge someone to do something he/she is afraid of doing. DARE means to have the courage/ to be brave enough to do something (most of the time it has a negative meaning).

I dare you to ask him on a date. (main/ordinary verb)

How dare she criticize me? (modal verb)

DARE as a modal verb

DARE as a modal verb has all the characteristics typical for modal verbs:

🌞it’s followed by the base form of a main verb;

🌞does not change in form: do not add -s to the form that goes with he, she, and it; do not apply -ing form;

🌞does not make DO questions;

🌞as a modal verb, dare is used in negative and interrogative sentences

dare + not = daren’t

Examples:

He daren’t speak.

He daren’t look at her.

I daren't think what was happen.

How dare she say such a thing?

Dare he risk all his money?

DARE as a main verb

DARE as a main verb also has all the characteristics typical for main verbs:

🌞it’s followed by to + infinitive (to is optional);

🌞used with do to form questions or negative statements (do is conjugated for tense, person, and number);

Exampes:

I dare him to speak with her. (present tense, positive sentence)

He dared speak with her. (past tense, positive sentence)

He didn’t dare speak with her. (past tense, negative sentence)

Did he dare speak with her? (past tense, question)

Expressions with DARE

1. I dare say
I dare say has almost the same meaning as probably or I expect, I suppose, I think it is likely, I admit.

I dare say you are right. 

I dare say he will come later.

It’ll rain tomorrow, I dare say. 

2. How dare you (he, she, etc.) do something  = How can you (he, she, etc.) be so rude and bold = I am very surprised and shocked by what you are doing.

How dare he speak to you like that? (I wonder at such arrogance.) 

How dare he accuse me of lying!

How dare you listen to a private conversation? 

3. How dare you? - we use this as an indignant exclamation.

How dare you? Take your hands off me! (How can you be so bold?) 

4. You dare! / Don’t you dare! – these expressions are used to discourage people from doing things they shouldn’t

Mommy, can I draw a picture on the wall? – You dare!

I'll tell her about it. - Don't you dare! 

5. I dare you to do something – this expression is used (for example by children) to challenge each other to do frightening things.

I dare you to ride your bike through the gate without holding the handlebar.

I dare you to jump in the stream! 

6. Dare someone to do something - we use this expression to challenge someone to do something to see if he is brave enough to do it.

You wouldn't do that, would you? - I dare you.

Read more about:

Модални глаголи 😃 Modal verbs

CAN - COULD
MAY - MIGHT
WILL
WOULD
SHALL
SHOULD
MUST
DARE
OUGHT TO
HAD BETTER
NEED
BE ABLE TO