he dares not

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "he dares not" is correct in written English and can be used in a variety of situations.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "Although he is afraid to do it, he dares not disobey his father."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He knows what is missing but he dares not replace it, or overplay what he still has left.

The New York Times - Sports

Obama bruised some feelings once or twice with remarks about "fat-cat bankers" and "reckless behavior and unchecked excess," but, in general, he dares not offend.

The New Yorker

When faced with the hideous reality of yet another gun massacre, this time in Parkland, Florida, he dares not mention guns.

The New Yorker

But he dares not do the same in equally violent majority-Muslim states, for fear of provoking a backlash among Muslims claiming that a Christian president is persecuting them.So far, Mr Obasanjo has given no clues as to what, concretely, he plans to do with his new emergency powers.

The Economist

Perhaps in the end it will, but it will demand some kind of price, and the fact is that, whether or not the Lewinsky saga distracted the president, it has certainly weakened his ability to bargain.He wants Richard Holbrooke to be his new UN ambassador but, because some potential conflict-of-interest questions hang over Mr Holbrooke, he dares not send him for confirmation by the Senate.

The Economist

Back in his office, Yasser tells us what he dares not tell his men.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He dared not repeat it.

The New Yorker

He dared not say anything to her.

The New Yorker

The pain was indescribable, but he dared not flinch.

Independent

He had no treatment - he dared not go into town".

The Guardian

Some issues, like oral sex, he dared not raise.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he dares not" to convey a sense of both reluctance and a lack of permission or courage to do something. It often implies a situation where defiance would have significant consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "he dares not" in very informal or casual settings, as it can sound overly formal or archaic. Opt for alternatives like "he doesn't want to" or "he's afraid to" in such contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he dares not" primarily functions as a modal construction expressing a combination of reluctance and constraint. It indicates that the subject is not only unwilling but also lacks the courage or permission to perform a specific action. Ludwig confirms its validity in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he dares not" is a grammatically correct and useful construction for conveying a blend of reluctance and constraint, often indicating potential consequences. Ludwig AI supports the grammatical correctness of the phrase. Primarily found in news and media sources, this phrase maintains a neutral register, lending itself well to situations where a formal yet objective tone is required. When choosing to use this phrase, consider its formality and the specific context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and message you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is unwilling

Focuses on a lack of willingness rather than a lack of courage or permission.

he is afraid to

Highlights fear as the primary reason for inaction.

he is forbidden from

Indicates a prohibition imposed by an external authority.

he is not allowed to

Similar to 'forbidden', but with a slightly less formal tone.

he is unable to

Suggests a lack of ability or capacity, rather than reluctance.

he refrains from

Emphasizes a deliberate act of self-restraint.

he declines to

Highlights a polite or formal refusal.

he avoids

Implies a proactive effort to stay away from something.

he hesitates to

Suggests uncertainty or doubt before acting.

he fights shy of

Means he avoids something because of a lack of confidence.

FAQs

How can I use "he dares not" in a sentence?

Use "he dares not" to express a situation where someone is both unwilling and constrained from doing something, often due to fear of consequences. For example, "He dares not speak his mind in the meeting".

What does "he dares not" imply about the situation?

It implies that the subject is not only reluctant but also lacks the courage or permission to act. There's often an element of potential negative repercussions if the subject were to act.

What are some alternatives to "he dares not"?

You can use alternatives like "he is unwilling", "he is afraid to", or "he is not allowed to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he dares not" formal or informal?

"He dares not" leans towards the more formal side. For more casual contexts, consider alternatives like "he doesn't want to" or "he's too scared to".