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.

Semi-modal verbs (also known as quasi-modal verbs or marginal modal verbs) are a group of verbs in English that share some features with modal verbs but are not true modals. Unlike modal verbs, semi-modal verbs can inflected for tense and person, and they can take 'do' as an auxiliary verb in negative and interrogative sentences. Semi-modals are used to express necessity and obligation or give advice.

Some of the common semi-modals in English are:

Functions and Properties

Ought to

"Ought to" is a semi-modal verb in English that is used to express obligation or duty, often indicating a moral or ethical obligation. It is similar in meaning to "should," but is considered more formal and less common in everyday conversation.
The table below summarizes the proeprties of ought to:

Shows mood	✓
Describes the action of main verb	✓
Can be used to form questions and negative statements	✓
Can be used with another modal verb	✗
Can be inflected	✗
Can be used with to-infinitive and -ing form	✗

Unlike modal verbs, 'ought to' ends with the particle 'to', but like modal verbs, it is followed by the base form of the verb and has the same form for all persons. Take a look at some examples:

They ought to be angry about this discord.

You ought to be vomiting after drinking nine bottles of water.

Had Better

"Had better" is a fixed expression often classified as a semi-modal verb, as it shares some characteristics with modal verbs but is not a true modal verb.
"Had better" is typically used to talk about a present or future situation, not a past one. It is used to suggest that a particular course of action is the best or most advisable thing to do in a given situation.
The table below summarizes the proeprties of had better:

Shows mood	✓
Describes the action of main verb	✓
Can be used to form questions and negative statements	✗
Can be used with another modal verb	✗
Can be inflected	✗
Can be used with to-infinitive and -ing form	✗

Now take a look at some examples:

He had better be gone by now.

You had better talk to the principal.

using the semi-modal 'used to' in a sentence

Dare

The table below summarizes the proeprties of the semi-modal dare:

Shows mood	✓
Describes the action of main verb	✓
Can be used to form questions and negative statements	✗
Can be used with another modal verb	✓
Can be inflected	✓
Can be used with to-infinitive and -ing form	-ing (✗), to-infinitive (✓)

'Dare' is both a main verb and a semi-modal. 'Dare' as a main verb means 'to challenge somebody to do something dangerous, difficult or embarrassing to show that they are brave.' As a main verb, it takes an object and the verbs that follow it are in the to-infinitive form.

I dare you to eat the spoiled banana.

I dare you to hold this snake.

'Dare' as a semi-modal verb is used especially in the present tense and negative forms, and the verbs that follow it must be in base form (infinitive without to). 'Dare' as a semi-modal is negated with the help of auxiliary verb 'do':

Don't you dare spoil the movie.

Don't you dare ruin the party.

Dare Not

We can add 'not' to the semi-modal 'dare' and make it negative. 'Dare not' is used to express a reluctance or fear of doing something, or to indicate that something is prohibited or forbidden.

You daren't fight back cause you know you'll lose.

She dare not go back home.

Need

The table below summarizes the proeprties of the semi-modal need:

Shows mood	✓
Describes the action of main verb	✓
Can be used to form questions and negative statements	✓
Can be used with another modal verb	✓
Can be inflected	✗
Can be used with to-infinitive and -ing form	✓

'Need' is another verb in English that 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 be obligated to do something.

Alex needs help.

She needs some money to buy a new car.

Semi-modal 'need' is not inflected for person or tense, and it can be used with or without 'to' before the following verb.
In its semi-modal form, "need" is used to express necessity or obligation, similar to "must" or "have to".

You need not worry about the deadline.

Need they submit the report by Friday?

Used to

We use 'used to' to say that an action happened continuously, habitually, or frequently during a period in the past, but not any longer.
The table below summarizes the proeprties of the semi-modal used to:

Shows mood	✓
Describes the action of main verb	✓
Can be used to form questions and negative statements	✗
Can be used with another modal verb	✗
Can be inflected	✗
Can be used with to-infinitive and -ing form	✗

Now take a look at some examples:

Gianni used to have long hair.

Didn't you use to smoke?

Going to

We use 'going to' to express our intention or plan to do something in the future. The decision or plan is made before speaking and may involve some preparation or arrangement.
The table below summarizes the proeprties of the semi-modal going to:

Shows mood	✓
Describes the action of main verb	✓
Can be used to form questions and negative statements	✓
Can be used with another modal verb	✗
Can be inflected	✗
Can be used with to-infinitive and -ing form	✗

Pay attention to the examples:

I am going to be in London next week.

She is going to wash the dishes.

Have to

'Have to' is used to indicate a present obligation or necessity to do something. It can be used to express certainty, give advice, describe annoying events, or indicate obligations.
The table below summarizes the proeprties of the semi-modal have to:

Shows mood	✓
Describes the action of main verb	✓
Can be used to form questions and negative statements	✗
Can be used with another modal verb	✓
Can be inflected	✗
Can be used with to-infinitive and -ing form	✗

Take a look at some examples:

We have to do the dishes as soon as possible.

You have to sleep well to be ready for the exam.

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

Comments

(0)

What Are Semi-modal Verbs?
Review

Share on :

English VocabularyStart learning categorized English vocabulary on Langeek.

Click to start