The Modal Verb Dare

The Modal Verb Dare – Meaning, Grammar, and Natural Use

The verb dare is small, but surprisingly powerful. It can behave like a modal verb and like a regular verb, which explains why many learners avoid it altogether. That’s a pity, because dare is common in spoken English, expressive in writing, and very useful in Cambridge exams such as B2 First and C1 Advanced.

Let’s look at how dare really works — without fear (or at least with less of it).

What does “dare” mean?

At its core, dare mean to have the courage (or lack of courage) to do something. It often appears in negative sentences, questions and expressions of challenge, criticism, or surprise

Dare as a MODAL verb

When dare is used as a modal verb, it behaves like can or must. We do not add -s in the third person, it is followed by a bare infinitive (without to) and it is common in negative sentences and questions

Structure

dare + bare infinitive

He dare not question the manager’s decision.
I dare not tell her the truth.
Dare you mention this to anyone else?
She dare not argue with him.

Modal dare sounds slightly formal or old-fashioned, but it still appears in advanced writing and set expressions.

Dare as a REGULAR verb

Much more common in modern English is dare as a regular verb. It uses do / does / did, it takes to + infinitive and it has normal verb forms (dares, dared, daring)

Structure

dare + to-infinitive

He doesn’t dare to complain.
I didn’t dare to ask for help.
She dares to speak her mind.
Would you dare to say that again?

For safety and naturalness, regular dare is usually the better choice in exams.

Negative forms: dare not vs don’t dare to

Both forms are correct, but they differ slightly in tone.

I dare not disagree. (formal, stiff, literary)
I don’t dare to disagree. (neutral, modern, very common)

Questions with dare

Questions often express shock, challenge, or disbelief.

How dare you speak to me like that?
Do you dare to tell him the truth?
Dare she refuse the offer?

How dare you… is fixed and very common — excellent for dialogue and narratives.

Common expressions with dare

These are gold for natural English and storytelling:

I dare say… (polite opinion/assumption)

I dare say he’s forgotten again.

How dare you…! (anger, shock)

How dare you accuse me of lying!

If you dare… (challenge or warning)

Touch my phone if you dare.

Common learner mistakes

❌ He doesn’t dare complain.
✔️ He doesn’t dare to complain.

❌ She dares not to say anything.
✔️ She dare not say anything. (modal)
✔️ She doesn’t dare to say anything. (regular)

❌ Dares he to question her?
✔️ Does he dare to question her?
✔️ Dare he question her? (formal)

Dare in exams (B2–C1 advice)

Prefer don’t dare to + verb in writing
Use How dare you… confidently in speaking or stories
Avoid mixing modal and regular structures
One correct use of dare shows range and control

Final thought

Think of dare as having two personalities:

Modal dare → formal, literary, advanced
Regular dare → modern, flexible, exam-safe

If you master both, you won’t just dare to use it — you’ll use it well.

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