Common Mistakes : Dare

Dare

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BAD: I dare to say that the book is worth reading

GOOD: I daresay that the book is worth reading

I daresay (also written I dare say) is a fixed phrase: ‘I dare say that we’ll be hearing from them again.’ ‘The team will put up a good performance, I daresay, but I don’t think they’ll win

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BAD: ‘How dare you to come in without knocking!’ he shouted

GOOD: ‘How dare you come in without knocking!’ he shouted

When dare comes in front of the subject, use an infinitive WITHOUT to: ‘How dare you say such a thing!’ ‘Dare I mention it to her? She’ll be furious

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BAD: He dares to die rather than break his promise

GOOD: He is prepared to die rather than break his promise

BAD: I didn’t enjoy the drink but I dared to try it again

GOOD: I didn’t enjoy the drink but I was ready to try it again

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Dare (= have enough courage) is used mainly in negative sentences and questions: ‘I wouldn’t dare to take the car without permission.’ ‘She stood at the edge of the cliff, not daring to look down

In affirmative sentences, use be ready/prepared/willing : ‘Some people are prepared to do anything for money.’ ‘Despite the threat on his life, he’s ready to testify

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BAD: His mother thinks that somebody must have dared him steal the bicycle

GOOD: His mother thinks that somebody must have dared him to steal the bicycle

dare sb to do sth : ‘I dare you to drink it.’ They dared me to do it again