LoginSemi-modals
Explore advanced uses of semi-modal verbs in different contexts. Comprehensive explanations, exercises, and a quiz provided.
What Are Semi-modal Verbs?
Semi-modal verbs (also known as quasi-modal verbs or marginal modal verbs) are a group of verbs in English that share some but not all features of modal verbs.
English Semi-modals
Some of the common semi-modals in English are:
Ought
"Ought" 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 more formal and less common in everyday usage.
Unlike modal verbs, 'ought' is followed by a to-infinitive, which disqualifies it for inclusion in the class of modals. 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.
Despite its form, "had better" is typically used to talk about present or future, not the past. It is used to suggest that a particular course of action is the best or most advisable thing to do in a given situation.
Now take a look at some examples:
He had better be gone by now.
You had better talk to the principal.
Dare
'Dare' can be 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 a direct 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.
Use of 'dare' as a semi-modal verb is mainly limited to non-affirmative contexts, and the verbs that follow it must be in base form. However, it can be conjugated for past tense, and this leads to its exclusion form the class of pure modal verbs.
He dare not speak a word in her presence.
No one dared oppose the king's orders.
Dare she go there alone at night?
How dare you accuse me of lying?
Need
'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 to save some money to buy a new car.
Semi-modal 'need' is not inflected for person or tense, and like 'dare,' it is mainly limited to non-affirmative contexts.
In its semi-modal form, "need" is used to express necessity or obligation. However, 'need' is no longer commonly used in everyday speech and its main verb equivalent or "must" and "should" are preferred over it.
You need not worry about the deadline.
Most modern speakers would use 'You don't need to worry...' instead.
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. Unlike pure modals, 'used to' cannot be used to form negative and interrogative sentences and needs the supporting auxiliary 'do' for these purposes. As a result, it is left out of the class of modal verbs.
Now take a look at some examples:
Gianni used to have long hair.
Didn't you use to smoke?
Review
Semi-modal verbs are called so because they have some characteristics of modal verbs and some characteristics of main verbs. They are used to express obligation, necessity, and advice. English semi-modals are:
ought to
had better
dare
need
used to
Quiz:
Which sentence correctly uses the semi-modal verb "ought"?
You ought finish your assignment before midnight.
She oughts to take more responsibility.
They ought to apologize for the mistake.
He ought be studying right now.
Sort the words to form a correct sentence.
Which sentence uses need as a semi-modal?
He needs to call his boss.
You need not bring food.
They need new shoes.
All of the above
Match each semi-modal verb in Column A with the correct function or usage in Column B.
Fill the blanks with the correct semi-modal.
You
not fear the darkness.
You
to apologize for being so rude to your grandmother.
I
to live near the ocean, but I moved inland last year.
You
talk to her soon, or she'll be really upset.
She
not speak unless spoken to in those days.
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