Use of the word dare

   Share on Facebook  
Guest  #17939  Sat, 03 Jan 04 06:44 AM
I want to know if we can use "to" with "dare". I heard from my friend that there is a rule in english which says you cannot use the word "dare" with "to". Could you please give some clarification in this regards. Thank you.
  
Woodward  #17982  Sat, 03 Jan 04 04:22 PM
You can use Dare with TO.

Dare can be used in two ways:
1. as an ordinary verb (followed by the infinitive with TO)
In this case it is more common in negative sentences:
I didn't dare to tell her what had really happened.
My friends dared me to drink the entire glass all at once.

2. as a modal auxilary verb
This form is not very common though still exists.
The most common expression using this form is
'How DARE you? Take your hands off me at once!'

Remember that Dare is not common in an informal conversation.
  
Top 50 Contributor
Joined on Tue, Jun 24 2003
A New Zealander in Chile
Senior Member (2,807)
Proficient SpeakerSystemAdministrator
<hint> Don't let schooling interfere with your education.</hint> www.woodward.cl
suzi  #18493  Wed, 07 Jan 04 07:08 PM
Dare IS common in informal conversation when it is kids "daring" each other to do somthing a bit risky / naughty; they will say "I dare you .... "
  
Top 150 Contributor
Joined on Wed, Jan 7 2004
Full Member (465)
Proficient Speaker
AddThis Feed Button RSS Feed: ESL General English Grammar Questions
© 2008 MediaCET Ltd.
Terms and Conditions & Terms of Service