Page 165 - Practical English Usage 3ed - Michael Swan, Oxford

151 dare
1 uncommon
In modern English, dare is not a very common verb. In an informal style, people generally use other expressions.
He's not afraid to say what he thinks.
2 negative use; daren't
Dare is, however, quite often used in negative sentences. It can be followed by an infinitive with or without to.
She doesn't dare (to) go out at night.
The old lady didn't dare (to) open the door.
A special negative form daren't (+ infinitive without to) is common in British English.
I daren't look.
The third person singular is also daren't, without -so
She daren't tell him what she thinks.
3 special expressions
Don't you dare! is sometimes used to discourage people from doing unwanted things.
Mummy, can I draw a picture on the wall?-Don't you dare! How dare you? is sometimes used as an indignant exclamation.
How dare you? Take your hands offme at once!
And I dare say (sometimes written I daresay) is used to mean 'I think probably', 'I suppose'.
I dare say it'll rain soon. I daresay you're ready for a drink. Children use the expression I dare you + infinitive to challenge each other to do frightening things.
I dare you to run across the road with your eyes shut.
152 dates 1 writing
In Britain, the commonest way to write the day's date is as follows. Note that the names of months always begin with capital letters (see 556).
30 March 2004 27 July 2003
The last two letters of the number word are sometimes added (e.g. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6th). Some people write a comma before the year, but this is no longer very common in Britain except when the date comes inside a sentence.
30th March(,) 2004
He was born in Hawick on 14 December, 1942. The date may be written entirely in figures.
3013104 30-3-04 30.3.04
In the USA it is common to write the month first and to put a comma before the year.
March 30, 2004
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