Need and dare can be used as ordinary verbs or modal auxiliary verbs. When they are used as ordinary verbs, they are followed by an infinitive with to.
This grammar exercise tests your ability to use need and dare correctly.
1. Everybody ……………… to get some rest.
After 'every' we use a singular verb. When need is used as an ordinary verb, it takes the marker -s when the subject is singular.
2. Need we …………….. seats on the train?
When need is used as a modal auxiliary verb, it is followed by an infinitive without to.
3. Do I need ………………. any longer?
When need is used as a main verb, it is followed by an infinitive with to. Questions and negatives are made with do.
4. Need we ………………… to her about this?
When need is used as a modal auxiliary verb, it is followed by an infinitive without to.
5. You …………………. to pay for that drink.
When need is used as a main verb, it is followed by an infinitive with to. Questions and negatives are made with do.
6. Do we …………………. a doctor?
When need is used as a main verb, it is followed by an infinitive with to. Questions and negatives are made with do.
7. This is the only question you need …………..
Need can be used either as an ordinary verb or as an auxiliary verb. When it is used as an ordinary verb, it is followed by an infinitive with to. When it is used as an auxiliary verb, it is followed by an infinitive without to.
8. You will need …………….. an appointment before you can see the minister.
In this case, need is used as an ordinary verb and hence it is followed by an infinitive with to.
9. She is a woman who ……………… to say what she thinks.
When dare is used as an ordinary verb, it is followed by an infinitive with to.
10. She didn’t dare ……………… the door.
When dare is used as an ordinary verb, it is followed by an infinitive with to.
11. Do you dare ……………… across the river?
When dare is used as an ordinary verb, it is followed by an infinitive with to.
12. He dare not ……………….. alone in that house.
When dare is used as an auxiliary verb, it is followed by an infinitive without to.
Answers
1. Everybody needs to get some rest.
2. Need we reserve seats on the train?
3. Do I need to wait any longer?
4. Need we talk to her about this?
5. You don’t need to pay for that drink.
6. Do we need to consult a doctor?
7. This is the only question you need answer / to answer.
8. You will need to book an appointment before you can see the minister.
9. She is a woman who dares to say what she thinks.
10. She didn’t dare to open the door.
11. Do you dare to swim across the river?
12. He dare not live alone in that house.
