Semi-modals
Semi-modals are the subcategory of modal verbs. So it is good to learn the difference between modal verbs and semi-modal verbs to use them properly.
What Are Semi-modal Verbs?
'Semi-modals' (also called pseudo-modals or quasi-modals) are verbs that share some characteristics of modal verbs and some characteristics of main verbs. That is why we have introduced them by their grammatical rules one by one in our lessons. All of them have particular functions. Some are:
- to express obligation
- to express necessity
- to express advice
- to express challenges
- to express things in the past
Some semi-modals are:
Semi-modals and Their Functions
Ought to
Here are the functions of the semi-modal verb ought to:
No | Yes | |
---|---|---|
Shows mood | ✓ | |
Describes the action of main verb | ✓ | |
Can be used to form questions and negation | ✓ | |
Used with another modal verb | ✓ | |
Do inflect | ✓ | |
Can be to-infinitive and -ing Form | ✓ |
Unlike modal verbs, 'ought to' is followed by to, but like modal verbs, it has the same form for all the persons.
They
You
Had Better
Here is the table of the semi-modal had better:
No | Yes | |
---|---|---|
Shows mood | ✓ | |
Describes the action of main verb | ✓ | |
Can be used to form questions and negation | ✓ | |
Used with another modal verb | ✓ | |
Do inflect | ✓ | |
Can be to-infinitive and -ing Form | ✓ |
'Had better' is an expression of the verb 'had' and is treated as a modal verb or as some would classify a 'semi-modal verb.'
'Had better' is used to say what is the best thing to do in a situation that is happening now.
He
You
Dare
Here is the table of the semi-modal dare:
No | Yes | |
---|---|---|
Shows mood | ✓ | |
Describes the action of main verb | ✓ | |
Can be used to form questions and negation | ✓ | |
Used with another modal verb | ✓ | |
Do inflect | ✓ | |
Can be to-infinitive and -ing Form | -ing (no) | to-infinitive (yes) |
'Dare' is both a main verb and a semi-modal verb. 'Dare' as a main verb means 'to challenge somebody to do something dangerous, difficult or embarrassing so that they can show that they are brave.' With this meaning, it is the main verb and takes an object. Verbs that follow it are in the to-infinitive form.
I
I
'Dare' as a semi-modal verb is used especially in present tense and negative forms, and the verbs after it must be in base form (infinitive without to). You negate dare as a semi-modal exactly in the same way you negate dare as a main verb.
Don't you
Don't you
Dare Not
We can add 'not' to the semi-modal 'dare' and make it negative.
You
She
Need
Here is the table of the modal verb need:
No | Yes | |
---|---|---|
Shows mood | ✓ | |
Describes the action of main verb | ✓ | |
Can be used to form question and negation | ✓ | |
Used with another modal verb | ✓ | |
Do inflect | ✓ | |
Can be to-infinitive and -ing Form | ✓ |
'Need' is another verb in English which can be both a main verb and a semi-modal verb. 'Need' as a main verb means to require something and think something is important to have or to have to or to be obliged to do something.
Alex
She
In negative sentences, we use semi-modal 'need' to indicate that there is no obligation or necessity to do something. Semi-modal 'need' is used mostly in negative sentences. The term 'not' is directly added to need as a semi-modal.
You
They
Used to
Here is the table of the semi-modal used to:
No | Yes | |
---|---|---|
Shows mood | ✓ | |
Describes the action of main verb | ✓ | |
Can be used to form questions and negation | ✓ | |
Used with another modal verb | ✓ | |
Do inflect | ✓ | |
Can be to-infinitive and -ing Form | ✓ |
We use 'used to' to say that an action happened continuously, habitually, or frequently during a period in the past, but no longer occurs. When 'used to' is accompanied by the verb 'be,' it talks about an action that you are accustomed to doing it and it is no longer strange.
Gianni
Didn't you
Going to
Here is the table of the semi-modal going to:
No | Yes | |
---|---|---|
Shows mood | ✓ | |
Describes the action of main verb | ✓ | |
Can be used to form questions and negation | ✓ | |
Used with another modal verb | ✓ | |
Do inflect | ✓ | |
Can be to-infinitive and -ing Form | ✓ |
We use 'going to' when we have the intention to do something before we speak. We have already made a decision before speaking.
I
She
Have to
Here is the table of the semi-modal have to:
No | Yes | |
---|---|---|
Shows mood | ✓ | |
Describes the action of main verb | ✓ | |
Can be used to form questions and negation | ✓ | |
Used with another modal verb | ✓ | |
Do inflect | ✓ | |
Can be to-infinitive and -ing Form | ✓ |
'Have to' are used in the present to say that something is necessary or should be done. 'Have to' is more common in American English. 'Have to' is used to talk about certainty, giving advice, annoying events, or obligations.
We
You
Review
Semi-modal verbs are called semi because they have some characteristics of modal verbs and some characteristics of main verbs. They are used to express obligation, necessity, advice, challenges, things in the past using the following terms.
- ought to
- had better
- dare
- need
- used to
- have to