I dare not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I dare not" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal and informal written English.
It is typically used to convey a feeling of reluctance or fear to do something. Example: "I dare not speak my mind in front of my boss for fear of losing my job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I dare not go back," he said.

The Guardian

But I dare not call them fascist.

The New York Times - Books

But for now I dare not type any further.

The New York Times

"I dare not revise, nor read, the recollection is still so painful," she confessed.

The New York Times

I long to look up at the night sky, but I dare not.

The Guardian - Books

Bloom's plot twists are always surprising, and so I dare not reveal them.

The Guardian - Books

KEN AULETTA: Since I don't speak the language, I dare not pretend to be expert on your question.

The New Yorker

"I dare not put it on my résumé because it makes you instantly nonprestigious and unemployable," he added.

The New York Times

"I dare not conclude without addressing the situation which is on the minds of us all," he said.

The New York Times

"Lots of fruit turn black and fall to the ground, I dare not eat the rice I plant and harvest because the pollution is so bad.

The Guardian

It's got USB ports, HDMI out, and a whole host of stuff the function of which I dare not guess.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I dare not" to express a strong feeling of reluctance or fear, often in situations where there might be consequences or social disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "I dare not" too frequently in casual conversation, as it can sound overly dramatic or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "I don't want to" or "I'm afraid to" in less formal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I dare not" functions as an intransitive verb phrase indicating a lack of courage or willingness to perform an action. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use to express strong reluctance or fear in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I dare not" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey reluctance or fear. Ludwig's examples illustrate its presence in diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media. Analysis indicates its function as an intransitive verb phrase, its purpose to express a subjective limitation and its neutral-to-formal register. When writing, consider the potential for sounding overly dramatic in casual settings. Alternatives like "I wouldn't dare" or "I'm afraid to" may be more appropriate depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I wouldn't dare

Emphasizes a lack of courage or willingness.

I'm afraid to

Highlights fear or apprehension as the reason for not doing something.

I'm reluctant to

Focuses on unwillingness or hesitation.

I'm unwilling to

Indicates a firm decision against doing something.

I cannot bring myself to

Suggests an emotional or psychological barrier.

I hesitate to

Emphasizes pausing or delaying due to uncertainty.

I'm not bold enough to

Highlights a lack of confidence or audacity.

I lack the courage to

Directly states a deficiency in bravery.

I'm not inclined to

Indicates a lack of desire or motivation.

I'm loath to

Expresses strong aversion or distaste.

FAQs

How to use "I dare not" in a sentence?

"I dare not" is used to express reluctance or fear to do something. For example: "I dare not speak my mind in front of my boss."

What can I say instead of "I dare not"?

You can use alternatives like "I wouldn't dare", "I'm afraid to", or "I'm reluctant to" depending on the context.

Is "I dare not" formal or informal?

"I dare not" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it tends to sound more formal and emphatic. Consider your audience and the situation when choosing this phrase.

What's the difference between "I dare not" and "I don't dare"?

While both phrases express a lack of courage or willingness, "I dare not" carries a stronger sense of fear or consequence, while "I don't dare" is slightly more casual.