Semi-modal Auxiliary Verbs

What are Semi-modal Auxiliary Verbs

Semi-modal auxiliary verbs are a special group of verbs that behave like modal verbs but have some distinct characteristics. Unlike full modals such as can, will, or must, these semi-modals often combine features of modal auxiliaries and main verbs.

The most common semi-modal auxiliaries include dare, need, used to, and ought to.

Dare

Dare means “to be brave, reckless, or rude enough to do or try something.” When used as a semi-modal, dare does not change its form based on the subject.

• “How dare he talk that way to my mother!”
• “Dare she make fun of my piece?”

When dare is used, it partners with a main verb in base form. No “-s” is added even if the subject is singular, like with other modals.

Need

Need is mostly used in negative sentences to express lack of obligation or necessity. It remains in base form regardless of the subject.

• “You need not worry about my health.”
• “No one need know about the issue.”

Used to

Used to expresses past habits or conditions no longer true. It is always followed by a base verb.

• “I used to eat ice cream every day.”
• “We used to visit New York every Christmas season.”

Ought to

Ought to expresses what is correct, necessary, or expected. It remains unchanged regardless of the subject.

• “She ought to submit her project tomorrow.”
• “They ought to get inside now.”

Subject-Verb Agreement for Dare and Need as Main Verbs

When dare and need are main verbs, they follow subject-verb agreement rules:

• Singular subjects take verbs with "-s": “He dares to talk.”
• Plural subjects take verbs without "-s": “We dare not eat the cake.”
• Singular subject example: “She needs to buy a dress.”
• Plural subject example: “We need to buy groceries.”

Remember, the main verbs following dare and need are always in the base form: dare/dares/need/needs + to + base verb.