does not dare

USAGE SUMMARY

'does not dare' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express that someone is too afraid to do something. For example: "He does not dare to take the risky adventure on his own."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The design does not dare to know.

The New York Times - Arts

(Perhaps because the city council usually does not dare provoke him).

The Economist

His lie having been discovered, he does not dare go home and spends the night outdoors.

The New Yorker

Even in the boom there are plenty of areas that private finance does not dare tread.

The Guardian - Opinion

So far, her own husband, also an engineer, does not dare for fear of jeopardizing his career.

The New York Times

Mr Zapatero does not dare raise taxes for lower earners for fear of losing support for his beleaguered party.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

"He doesn't dare move.

The Guardian - Books

Whichever, your hand is both tempted and doesn't dare.

Independent

He knows and doesn't dare to know.

The New Yorker

"She doesn't dare discuss something like this with us.

BBC

The police did not dare stop them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "does not dare" to convey a strong sense of fear or reluctance. It suggests a significant barrier, whether internal or external, preventing someone from taking a particular action.

Common error

Avoid using "does not dare" in situations where simple unwillingness or lack of interest is meant. The phrase carries a weight of fear or significant risk that might be inappropriate in less serious contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does not dare" functions as a verb phrase expressing inability or unwillingness to perform an action due to fear or lack of courage. It signifies a strong deterrent, either internal or external, preventing the subject from acting. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

14%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "does not dare" is a versatile phrase used to express a lack of courage or willingness due to fear or risk. It is grammatically sound and common in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. Ludwig's analysis confirms its correctness and provides examples from reputable sources. When using this phrase, ensure that the context warrants the strong sense of apprehension it conveys, and consider alternatives like "is afraid to" or "hesitates to" for more nuanced expressions. According to Ludwig, the phrase is often used in news articles and stories to convey the tension or fear experienced by individuals or groups.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dares not

A more archaic or emphatic version of the original phrase.

is afraid to

Focuses on the feeling of fear as the primary reason for inaction.

hesitates to

Implies a pause or reluctance before acting due to uncertainty or fear.

lacks the courage to

Emphasizes the absence of bravery needed to perform an action.

is too intimidated to

Highlights the feeling of being daunted as the limiting factor.

wouldn't dream of

Suggests the action is unthinkable or inappropriate, rather than just fearful.

is unwilling to risk

Focuses on the potential negative consequences of the action.

shrinks from

Suggests recoiling or avoiding something unpleasant or frightening.

is loath to

Emphasizes a strong aversion or unwillingness to do something.

refrains from

Implies a deliberate choice to avoid doing something, possibly due to fear or caution.

FAQs

How can I use "does not dare" in a sentence?

Use "does not dare" to describe a situation where someone is too afraid to do something. For example, "He "does not dare" to speak his mind in front of the boss."

What's a formal alternative to "does not dare"?

In more formal contexts, you could use "is unwilling to risk" or "hesitates to". These alternatives maintain a sense of reluctance but sound more sophisticated.

Is it correct to say "did not dare"?

Yes, "did not dare" is the past tense form of the phrase and is perfectly acceptable. For example, "She "did not dare" to question his decision."

What's the difference between "does not dare" and "dares not"?

"Dares not" is a more archaic and emphatic form of "does not dare". While grammatically correct, it may sound slightly old-fashioned in contemporary English.