9.61 USAGE NOTE

You can omit a verb after the semi-modals 'dare' and 'need', but only when they are used in the negative.

• 'I don't mind telling you what I know.' --- 'You needn't. I'm not asking you for it.'
• 'You must tell her the truth.' --- 'But, Neill, I daren't.'

Similarly, the verb is only omitted after the modal expressions 'had rather' and 'would rather' when they are used in the negative. However, the verb is sometimes omitted after 'had better' even when it is used affirmatively.

• 'Will she be happy there?' --- 'She'd better.'
• It's just that I'd rather not.

9.62

Ellipsis also occurs with 'to'-infinitive clauses. Instead of using a full 'to'-infinitive clause after a verb, you can just use 'to', if the action or state has already been mentioned.

• Don't tell me if you don't want to.
• At last he agreed to do what I asked him to.

You can also do this in conversation.

• 'Do you ever visit a doctor?' I asked her. --- 'No. We can't afford to.'

Note that there are some verbs, such as 'try' and 'ask', which are also often used on their own, without 'to'.

• They couldn't help each other, and it was ridiculous to try.
• Some water boards will replace washers free of charge, if you ask.