Semi-Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Definition

In English, semi-modal auxiliary verbs are words which can be used either as helping verbs that help the main verbs to show modality, or as ordinary verbs in the sentences.

Here is a list of the semi-modal auxiliary verbs:

• dare
• need
• ought to
• used to

The usage of the semi-modal auxiliary verb (dare)

The semi-modal verb (dare) is used as:

• A modal verb
• A main verb

Using dare as a model verb

Dare indicates the challenge, courage, recklessness, braveness, or rudeness of doing something. It is generally used in:

• Questions
• Negative forms

Example

1. Dare he ring the bell of that house?
2. How dare Alex scream at his poor father?
3. Anna dare not drive on the highway.

Using dare as the main verb

Dare can be used as the ordinary verb in a sentence to introduce:

• Interrogative forms
• Negative forms
• Affirmative forms (dare is rarely used in affirmative forms)

Example

1. Emma doesn't dare (to) dive in that pool.
2. Does she dare (to) drive her motorcycle without her helmet?
3. Yahia dared (to) break down the customs of his society to marry with an occidental girl.
4. John dared his friend (to) approach from the lion in the zoo. 

Notes: 

1. Using dare as a main verb in negative or interrogative form requires the usage of the auxiliary verb do. 
2. Using dare as the main verb means that it can be conjugated for tense and person. For example, it takes an (-s) when it is conjugated with the third person singular, or takes an (-ed) when it is used in the past tense or in past participle. 
3. Using the preposition (to) after the main verb dare is optional.

The usage of the semi-modal auxiliary verb (need)

The semi-modal verb (need) can be used as:

• A modal verb
• A main verb

Using need as a modal verb

Need is used to show that there is no necessity or obligation of doing something. It is used to introduce:

• Negative forms
• Questions (in this case, need is only used in the formal context)
• Affirmative forms (in this case, also, need is only used in the formal context)

Example

1. John and Olivia needn't stay at the airport waiting for their friend, Hannah, as she has to do some commitments before coming to visit them.
2. Nobody need tell people these things in the next election.
3. Need she attend that party?

Using need as a main verb

Need can be used as a main verb in a sentence to introduce:

• Negative forms
• Interrogative forms
• Affirmative forms

Example

1. Salma doesn't need to excuse for her mother as she forgave her.
2. Did Sofia need a new passport to get in Europe?
3. The three black cats need caring.

Notes:

1. Using need as the ordinary verb in order to create negative and interrogative forms requires the usage of the primary auxiliary verb do.
2. Using need as the main verb means that it can be conjugated for person and tense.

The usage of the semi-modal auxiliary verb (ought to)

Ought to is considered as semi-modal verb as it is followed by infinitives (to+a main verb). It is used to introduce:

• Advice

Using ought to for an advice

Ought to can be used to express an advisability to do something.

Example

1. Researchers ought to make a deep research about coronavirus to get out with an effective vaccine.
2. They ought to read how to treat kids at the age of three years to avoid shaking their fragile personality.

The usage of the semi-modal auxiliary verb (used to)

Used to is considered as a semi-modal verb as it is followed by infinitives (to+a main verb). It is used to introduce:

• A past habit, fact or situation that no longer exists in the present

Using used to for a fact, situation, or habit in the past 

Used to is used to introduce someone's habit, fact, or situation in the past which doesn't yet exist in the present.

Example

1. Anna used to read a novel every week.
2. John used to sleep at 2:00 am.
3. She didn't use to attend all English lectures at the university.
4. Did Alex and his wife use to live in Brooklyn?
5. He usedn't to waste time in discussing trivial subjects.
6. Used Hannah to give additional hours in English four kids?

Notes:

There are two possibilities about using (used to)

1. Once used to is included to create a negative and interrogative forms, the past form of the auxiliary verb do is used and the suffix (-d) is omitted. 
2. While the semi-modal verb used to is included to form negatives or interrogatives, the following structures should be used: (..usedn't/usednot..)/(used+subject+to+main verb+..?).

Exercises

Exercise (1)

The semi-modal verb (need) can be used:

1. To help a verb expressing modality
2. As the main verb of a sentence
3. 1&2

Which of the following is not a semi-modal verb:

1. dare
2. ought to
3. used to
4. need
5. might

We use the semi-modal verb (used to) to introduce:

1. Request
2. Advise
3. Prohibition
4. Expectation
5. An habit in the past which no longer exists in the present time.

Exercise (2)

Fill the blanks with the suitable semi-modal verbs:

ought to, used to, dare, need

1. ......................... Emma and Salma make a report about the annual income of our association?
2. Hannah ......................... to hike with her dog in the forest near to her small town.
3. ......................... Alex.........................  to climb that high palm?
4. Olivia ......................... to give an impacting speech to her students, so she can encourage them to study harder.  

Answer key

Exercise (1)

1&2

5

5

Exercise (2)

need

used to

does/dare

ought to