Semi modal verbs are also known as semi auxiliary verbs. They often sound like main verbs but not mean always. They describe verb as well as show different moods and circumstances. To know their uses, functions and differences , let’s start the article semi modal auxiliary verbs.
Examples of semi-modal auxiliary verbs
Dare
Need
Have to
Used to
Ought to
Had better.
Dare, need, used to, ought to, have to, had better are the semi-modal auxiliary verbs used in english language.
There are some more words like be going to, be able to, be about to, be likely to, be supposed to and would rather considered as semi modal verbs. But they are rarely used. So, we will emphasis on major of them to have meaningful and effective communication.
These semi-modal auxiliary verbs are preferred to express necessity, habitual action, moral obligation, advice etc.
Semi-modal auxiliary verbs and usages
semi-modal verbs used for
Dare ……..show courage
Need ……… need, necessity
Used to…… habitual action
Ought to……moral obligation
have to…….. Compulsion
had better ………strong advice or warning in a specific situation
Table: Usages of semi-modal verbs
Dare, need, ought to, used to, have to and had better are generally considered as semi-modal verbs. They are known so just because of they function similar to modal verbs.
Now, for better insight, let’s see the meaning and usages of semi-modal verbs one by one.
Use and examples of “Dare and need” semi-modal verbs
“Dare” means to be courageous, brave and even reckless while doing something. “Dare” doesn’t conjugate in other forms.
Examples of semi-modal “dare”
How dare he challenge me?
How dare they ask me about my identity?
I dare not ask for compensation again.
Thinkers dare to challenge the existing social system.
Besides, “Dare” plays the role of main verb.
“Dare” as main verb
I can’t believe she dared (to) ask for leave. (“to” is optional here)
I’m confident that no one dares (to) challenge our legacy!
No, I can’t dare (to) complain against class teacher.
Know the correct use of “Need” as modal verb
We need to finish this project before submission dates.
Do I need to show original documents.
She needs to attend some court hearings to be a good lawyer.
Need as the modal auxiliary verb hardly used but main verb.
Need as main verb
She needs that medicine in the evening.
He needed some money today, so he requested me.
Wilting crop need watering as early as possible.
Semi-modal verb “Have to” :
Have to semi modal auxiliary is used to indicate compulsion.
I have to get up early in the morning.
Medical practitioners have to follow guidelines given by medical council.
Semi-modal verb “Used to”;
Used to is a kind of semi modal verb for showing past habits or habitual actions.
My elder brother used to go tennis court for practice early in morning in his college days.
We used to live in small hut in our village a decade ago.
Apart from these, “Have to” is alternative for “Must”; whereas, “Ought to” for “Should”. “Used to” is generally used to express repeated daily activities or past habitual actions.
Characteristics of semi-modal verbs
Unlike regular verbs, Semi modal verbs can not be changed according to person, number, gender or tense.
There is no second or third form use of semi-modals.
We cannot not make questions with the help of semi-modals as we often make with the help of auxiliaries. (excluding some exceptions)
Functions of semi modal verbs
Describing main verbs
Help main verb like an adverb
Show or reflect mood
Forming questions (Some semi-modals can form questions)
Key takeaways of modal and semi-modal auxiliary verbs
Modal verbs are secondary helping verbs and used to express modalities and degree of possibility and obligation.
Modality indicates different types of possibility and obligation that person expresses.
What does mood mean?
In english grammar, among many grammatical features, “Mood” is one of the most important. It is a property of verb and has several values such as, indicative, subjunctive, and imperative moods.
Modal auxiliary verbs or secondary helping verbs
“Will, would, shall, should, may, might, can, could, and must” are identified as basic, true modal verbs. Whereas, “Dare, need, used to, ought to, have to, and had better” are called as semi-modal verbs.
As per the characteristics of modal verbs, these neither conjugated forms nor take finite verb to construct meaning.
Actually, these haven’t their semantic meaning and take basic form of verb. “May” modal verb describes strong possibility, permission, polite offer, and wish.
On the other hand, “Can” modal expresses ability, forceful request, possibility, and permission but less effective compare to “May”.
Command, offer, and warning is given by “Shall” and “Will” is for willingness, determination, and future tense.
This was brief information about semi-modal auxiliary verbs. Hope, this will help you in meaningful and effective communication by enhancing your English grammar basics.
Correct use of Modal auxiliary verbs