It has other names like a semi or marginal model.

It becomes significant to know the use of need and dare model verbs. Since these two verbs have two different attributes, one model and another main verb.



Use of need

As we know that need is a semi-model verb, since it plays both roles, as a model or a main verb.

Generally, we use “need” to form a negative sentence, since using it as an affirmative look uncommon.

You needn’t take off your shoes. (negative)

You need take off your shoes. (affirmative)

You need go there. (as a model)

You need to go there. (as a main verb)

He need talk to me. (as a model)

He needs to talk to me. (as a main verb)

You need not go there. (as a model)

You don’t need to go there. (as a main verb)

Need we write it down? (as a model)

Do we need to write it down? (as a main verb)

You needn’t have waited for me. (You waited for me, but it wasn’t necessary.)

I didn’t need to buy any books. (main verb)

Remember that main verb need is followed by to, and it changes with person, number and tense (I, you, we, they need to; she, he, it needs to; I, you, she, he, it, we, they needed to).

Use of dare.

As we know that dare is a semi-model verb, since it plays both roles, as a model or a main verb.

Dare meaning as challenge somebody.

Go on, I dare you.

Some snakes can bite, but I dare you to hold this big snake.

Dare meaning as ‘to be brave enough or rude enough to do something’.

If Sally dares (to) go there again, she’ll be in big trouble! (ordinary verb)

He doesn’t dare (to) go there. (as a main verb)

No one dares (to) go there. (as a main verb)

No one dare go there. (semi-modal verb)

Does anyone dare (to) go there? (as a main verb)

Dare anyone go there? (semi-modal verb)

Doesn’t he dare (to) go there? (as a main verb)

Daren’t he go there? (semi-modal verb)

Typical error

We don’t use the infinitive with to after semi-modal dare in the expression How dare you:

How dare you suggest she was lazy!

Not: How dare you to suggest…

Must read these important topics.

What is a verb?

Non-finite verb infinitive.

Gerund verb.

Participle grammar.

Model verb.

Use of could.

Would.

Should.

May and might.

Must.

Used to.

Linking verb.

Transitive and intransitive verb.

Primary verb.

Regular and irregular verb.

Causative verb

Will and shall.

Use of other, others, and another.