Meaning & use
semi-modal verbs
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Meaning
nounplural
A small group of verbs that behave partly like modal verbs (helping verbs) and partly like ordinary verbs, such as 'need', 'dare', 'used to', 'ought to', and 'have to'.
Grammar: Used as a plural noun; the singular form is 'semi-modal verb'. Often followed by 'in English' or a specific verb.
Patterns
- semi-modal verbs in English
- the semi-modal verb 'need'
- semi-modal verbs like 'have to'
In English, semi-modal verbs like 'need' and 'dare' can sometimes act like full verbs and sometimes like modals.
Students often find semi-modal verbs confusing because their grammar changes depending on the sentence.
The teacher explained that 'ought to' is a semi-modal verb that shows obligation.
Word forms
| singular | semi-modal verb |
|---|
Common combinations
- semi-modal verb 'need'
- The semi-modal verb 'need' can be followed by 'to' in positive sentences.
- semi-modal verb 'dare'
- In negative sentences, 'dare' works as a semi-modal verb without 'to'.
- semi-modal verb 'used to'
- 'Used to' is a semi-modal verb that talks about past habits.
- semi-modal verb 'ought to'
- 'Ought to' is a semi-modal verb giving advice or saying what is right.
- semi-modal verb 'have to'
- 'Have to' is a semi-modal verb expressing obligation.
Word family
- modal verb noun
- A verb like 'can', 'must', or 'should' that never changes form and is always followed by a base verb.
- auxiliary verb noun
- A helping verb such as 'be', 'have', or 'do' used with a main verb to form tenses, questions, or negatives.
Commonly confused: semi-modal verbs or modal verb?
semi-modal verbs vs modal verb
Modal verbs (can, must, should) never take 'to' or change for person; semi-modal verbs sometimes do both, e.g. 'need to' vs 'need'.
Practice
Which of these is a semi-modal verb?
Choose one answer.
'Need' can act like a modal (need I say more?) or like a full verb (I need to go), so it is a semi-modal. 'Can', 'must', and 'should' are pure modals and never take 'to' or change form.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “semi-modal verbs”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.