Semi-modal Verbs: Need, Dare and Ought to

Semi-modal Verbs: Need, Dare and Ought to

Need, dare and ought to are called semi-modal verbs because they have characteristics of both modal and ordinary verbs. Let’s look at them individually.

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Semi-modal verb need

We use the semi-modal verb need to talk about things we have to do. It is conjugated just like any other regular verb. We use the structure need + to-infinitive.

• I need to put some air into my car tyres.
• Mary needs to seek professional advice for her divorce.
• You don’t need to dress up for the party.

We can use need to talk about things that we want to require.

• Brian needed a new suit.
• Everyone needs a room of their own.
• Do you need a visa for Greece?

Semi-modal Verbs: Need, Dare and Ought to

When we use the modal verb in negative form, we can use it as a modal verb or as a regular one.

• We don’t need to buy a new car / We needn’t buy a new car.
• I don’t need to finish my essay today. / I needn’t finish my essay today.

However, we can not use needn’t with an object. We must use don’t (doesn’t) need to.

• You don’t need an umbrella, it’s not raining. (not you needn’t an umbrella).

We can use the verb need in the past as a regular or as a modal verb without difference in meaning.

• We didn’t need to cook yesterday. / We needn’t have cooked yesterday.
• You didn’t need to tell him the news; John already did. / You needn’t have told him the news.

Semi-modal Verbs: Need, Dare and Ought to

Semi-modal verb dare

Dare is a semi-modal verb because it has characteristics of both modal and ordinary verbs. Dare means to challenge someone to do something dangerous or difficult and it has an object.

• We dare you to swim to the other side of the river.
• The children dared Michael to jump.

The verb dare also means to be brave enough to do something. With this meaning, it can be used as an ordinary or modal verb.

• I dare to say that you’re wrong. / I dare say that you’re wrong.
• Jane doesn’t dare to think how much it’ll cost / Jane daren’t think how much it’ll cost.
• Do you dare to tell your mum about the broken window?? Dare you to tell your mum about the broken window?

Semi-modal Verbs: Need, Dare and Ought to

Semi-modal verb ought to

We use ought to in a similar way to should, to say what is the best or ideal thing to do. 

• You ought to stop worrying about work and relax.
• George really ought to stop smoking.
• We ought to have a good night’s sleep.

Ought to is considered more formal than should although we can say they are interchangeable.

• You ought to write a thank-you note to your aunt. / You should write a thank-you note to your aunt.

Remember not to use ought to in negative sentences.

• You shouldn’t eat that much, you’ll gain weight. (not you oughtn’t eat too much)

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