8. Dare

Dare means to have the courage or impertinence to do something. It can be used both as a modal and as a notional verb.

As a modal it is mostly used in negative and interrogative sentences. It has two forms – dare for the present and dared for the past. It is only used with the Indefinite Infinitive.

e.g. How dare you say it?

For a while he dared not move.

As a notional verb dare is declined according to the general rules and is used in the present, past and future.

e.g. He didn’t dare to meet his uncle.

9. Summary of modals uses of modals

showing the time frame then now would should will shall could might can must may

making prediction uncertain certain could might may should will

making inferences uncertain certain could might may must

distinguishing between imagined situations and real expectations imagined situations real expectations would should will/shall should could might can may/might

expressing permission, recommendation, and obligation most free least free permission recommendation obligation can may could might should must making general requests polite direct could would can will (imperative)

requesting permission polite direct might could may can