dare

Uncommon

In modern English, dare is not a very common verb. In an informal style, people generally use other expressions.

• He’s not afraid to say what he thinks. (More natural than He dares to say what he thinks.)

Negative use; daren’t

Dare is, however, quite often used in negative sentences. It can be followed by an infinitive with or without to.

• She doesn’t dare (to) go out at night.
• The old lady didn’t dare (to) open the door.

A special negative form daren’t (+ infinitive without to) exists in British English.

• I daren’t look.

The third person singular is also daren’t, without -s.

• She daren’t tell him what she thinks.

Special expressions

Don’t you dare! is sometimes used to discourage people from doing unwanted things.

• ‘Mummy, can I draw a picture on the wall?’ ‘Don’t you dare!’

How dare you? is sometimes used as an indignant exclamation.

• How dare you? Take your hands off me at once!

And I dare say (sometimes written I daresay) is a rather old-fashioned expression meaning ‘I think probably’, ‘I suppose’.

• I dare say it’ll rain soon.
• I daresay you’re ready for a drink.

Children use the expression I dare you + infinitive to challenge each other to do frightening things.

• I dare you to run across the road with your eyes shut.