At a glance
- needit is necessary
- You needn't come. You don't need to come.
- darehave the courage
- He daren't speak. He doesn't dare to speak.
- ought toadvice (= should)
- You ought to rest.
- had betterstrong advice: or there's a problem
- You'd better hurry.
- be toofficial plans, orders
- You are to stay here.
- be able toability in any tense
- I will be able to come.
need
As a modal (in negatives and questions, no -s, no to): You needn't worry. Need I come?
As a normal verb: She needs to study. Do you need to go? You don't need to pay.
I needn't have cooked. (I cooked, but it wasn't necessary.)
I didn't need to cook. (It wasn't necessary, so I didn't.)
The car needs washing. (= needs to be washed)
dare
He daren't go near the dog. (modal)
She doesn't dare (to) look down. (normal verb)
- How dare you! (I'm very angry.)
- I dare say you're right. (I think so.)
ought to
You ought to visit your grandmother.
You ought not to shout in the library.
You ought to have told me it was your birthday! (criticism of the past)
had better
You'd better take an umbrella. (or you'll get wet)
We'd better not be late.
be to
The president is to visit Japan next week. (official plan)
You are to stay in your rooms. (order)
She was to have married him, but she changed her mind. (a plan that didn't happen)
be able to
I'll be able to help you tomorrow. (can has no future form)
I have been able to swim since I was six.
After an hour, he was able to open the door. (one success in the past)
Practice
Answer the questions. Get 7 out of 10 to finish this lesson.