dare not have done vs dare not do

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Dare not have done' is used when referring to something that was not done due to fear or reluctance in the past, while 'dare not do' is used when talking about something that one is afraid or reluctant to do in the present or future.

Last updated: December 13, 2024 • 1171 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to something that was not done due to fear or reluctance in the past.

"dare not have done"

This phrase is used to express that someone was too afraid or reluctant to do something in the past. It implies a sense of fear or hesitation that prevented the action from taking place.

Examples:

She dare not have done it without your permission.
I dare not have done it differently, given the circumstances.

Show examples from the web [+]

So when Oscar wilde was in prison... now I've done some time, which is probably why I relate so well to him... he said he had a love that dare not speak its name.
I dare not touch that devil box.
I didn't say it was noble, but it was human and dare I say... something you might have done.
I dare to hope, Mr President, that the administration will very quickly be instructed to bring a definitive end to this case, since all it will have done is discredit our institution in the eyes of the employment world.
...Edmund, I dare not think what will become of us.
We dare not reject Christ's warriors in our hour of need.
By which honour I dare not swear thou lovest me.
Some people believe that you've come from the island that we dare not go.
Dear friend, I dare not enquire after your sister.
We dare not go against these Jedi.
To that, I dare not hazard an answer.
I dare not speak it here.
I dare not speak for fear of how he will react.
Compelling the locals to say to my face what you dare not.
Ye dare not let it touch your skin.
I dare not let strangers into.
I dare not return to Prospero without Ariel.
We dare not meddle with such things.
It also notes the fact that many dare not complain for fear the supermarket will buy goods elsewhere.
I think things that I dare not confess.

Alternatives:

was too afraid to have done
was too reluctant to have done
didn't dare to have done
didn't have the courage to have done
couldn't bring myself to have done

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when talking about something that one is afraid or reluctant to do in the present or future.

"dare not do"

This phrase is used to express that someone is too afraid or reluctant to do something in the present or future. It implies a sense of fear or hesitation that is preventing the action from being carried out.

Examples:

I dare not do it without your approval.
She dare not do it alone.

Show examples from the web [+]

Mar 25, 2020 ... The original sentence is not correct. Dare in that usage takes a “bare infinitive,” Meaning that it should be I dare not do it.
Jun 12, 2023 ... why u use i dare not do something in first example. Upvote 1 ... I dare not do this = I am not brave enough to do this. I dare do ...
Jun 14, 2017 ... “She dare not do it “ (not “dares not do” / “dare not to do” / “dares not to do”). “I dare not do it” (... Upvote ·. 9952.
May 15, 2013 ... " I think she meant, "I dare not do that," or "I don't dare do that," or something similar. Funny! – rhetorician. Commented May 15, 2013 at ...

Alternatives:

am too afraid to do
am too reluctant to do
don't dare to do
don't have the courage to do
can't bring myself to do

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dare not have done vs dare not do