dare (to)
dare (to) means “dare means to be brave enough to do something, and works both as an ordinary verb and as a modal-like verb”. Dare means to be brave enough to do something, and it works in two ways. Formation: dare (+ to) + base verb · dare not + base verb
dare means to be brave enough to do something, and works both as an ordinary verb and as a modal-like verb
B2Formation
dare (+ to) + base verb · dare not + base verb
Explanation
Dare means to be brave enough to do something, and it works in two ways. As an ordinary verb it takes to and follows normal rules: She didn't dare to ask for help. As a modal-like verb, mostly in negatives and questions, it drops to and adds not directly: I dare not tell him. The fixed exclamation How dare you! expresses anger at what someone did. After didn't, the to is often optional: She didn't dare (to) ask.
Examples
Note
The set phrase Don't you dare! is a strong warning telling someone not to do something.
FAQ
dare (to) — what does it mean and how is it used?
dare means to be brave enough to do something, and works both as an ordinary verb and as a modal-like verb. Dare means to be brave enough to do something, and it works in two ways. As an ordinary verb it takes to and follows normal rules: She didn't dare to ask for help. As a modal-like verb, mostly in negatives and questions, it drops to and adds not directly: I dare not tell him. The fixed exclamation How dare you! expresses anger at what someone did. After didn't, the to is often optional: She didn't dare (to) ask.
dare (to) — how do you form it?
dare (+ to) + base verb · dare not + base verb
dare (to) — any usage notes?
The set phrase Don't you dare! is a strong warning telling someone not to do something.