dare

USAGE SUMMARY

"dare" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to indicate a challenge, a questioning of one's courage, or a willingness to take risks, as in the sentence: "I dare you to try and climb that tree."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

How dare they?

The New York Times

For example there are people who seem to always need to have a lover as well as a partner because they dare not rely on just one person in case that person abandons them.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a sector, we are one of the most transparent, accountable and dare I say most-obsessed with self-improvement.

The Guardian

There are people in poverty, with names and lives, who are being dehumanised because they dare to need something.

The Guardian

That will be more complicated than anyone – even those who advocate radical new approaches, including decriminalisation – dare consider.

The Guardian

"I am absolutely astonished that you even dare to ask that question after the most stunningly successful example of joined-up government that any of us have ever seen, with 19 government departments working incredibly well to put on a wonderful Games".

The Guardian - Sport

4. Can't people just read the Cabinet Manual (PDF), which is pretty clear on the rules? 5. Ed, speaking in 2010 makes it clear too, doesn't he? 6. Can we not all just agree, then, that a government is formed when a majority in the Commons passes a vote of confidence? 7. The SNP probably wouldn't dare to vote down a Labour Queen's Speech and therefore isn't Ed Miliband right to call their bluff?

The Guardian - Opinion

I have enjoyed it beyond words and believe we have left a lasting monument to those writers who would dare to trace our footsteps.

The Guardian - Books

He wrote to his 3,589 followers: "Cameron dare not stop Pfizer because he dare not offend the US in any way.

The Guardian

Certainly, there can be few ballet directors who, on starting their job, would dare to warn their board that their first programmes would probably play to an empty theatre.

The Guardian

"How dare you insult Rome!" begins one, but, of course, in Italian, because the writer is obviously a big elitist, showing off the fact that she can speak Italian.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dare" to indicate that someone is bold enough to do something. For instance, "She didn't dare to question his authority."

Common error

Avoid combining "dare not" with other auxiliary verbs like 'do' or 'did'. For example, instead of saying 'I didn't dare not go', say 'I dared not go'.

Linguistic Context

The word "dare" functions primarily as a verb, expressing courage, challenge, or defiance. As Ludwig AI points out, it can also function as a noun, referring to a challenge itself. The provided examples showcase its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "dare" is a versatile word primarily functioning as a verb to express courage, challenge, or defiance. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is very common, especially in News & Media contexts, and its usage ranges from challenging someone's bravery to expressing a lack of courage. Related phrases include "have the courage" and "venture to", offering alternatives depending on the desired tone. When using "dare", avoid combining "dare not" with other auxiliary verbs. Remember that "dare" can also function as a noun, referring to the challenge itself.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have the courage

Emphasizes the possession of bravery needed for an action, more formal.

challenge someone to

Similar to 'defy', but can also imply a more playful or competitive context.

defy someone to

Directly challenges someone to perform an action.

be brave enough

Highlights the bravery required, less confrontational than "dare".

have the audacity

Highlights the boldness and potential impudence of an action.

be so bold as to

Emphasizes the impudence and potential rudeness of an action.

venture to

Implies a willingness to take a risk, often in a formal setting.

make bold to

Indicates a confident or audacious action, slightly archaic.

take the liberty

Suggests a presumption of permission, often used politely.

risk doing something

Focuses on the potential negative consequences of an action.

FAQs

How can I use "dare" in a sentence?

You can use "dare" to challenge someone, as in "I "dare" you to try it", or to express a lack of courage, as in "I didn't "dare" to speak up".

What's a more formal way to say "dare"?

For a more formal tone, you could use "venture to", which implies a willingness to take a risk, or "have the courage".

How does "dare" differ from "challenge"?

"Dare" often implies a risk or lack of courage, while "challenge" is a more general call to action or competition. You might ""dare"" someone to do something dangerous, but you "challenge" them to a game.

Can "dare" be used as a noun?

Yes, "dare" can be a noun, referring to a challenge, as in "It was a foolish "dare"". It's less common than the verb form.