Sign inSemi-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-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
You
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
You
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 ( |
'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
I
'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
Don't you
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
She
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
She
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".
They
You
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
Didn't you
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
She
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
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
Comments
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Shall and Should
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Must and Have to
'Have to' and 'must' have the same meaning and are used to express obligations. However, they are used in different situations and are not interchangeable.
Ought to and Had Better
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