Definition

 

Need can be used in the following ways:       http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/american/need

 

♦ As a transitive verb (followed by a noun or pronoun object): I need a drink.

♦ Do you need anything? (followed by an infinitive with “to”): She needs to rest.

You don’t need to worry. (followed by “to” without a following infinitive):
You can stay longer if you need to.

 

As a modal verb (usually followed by an infinitive without “to”):

This is the only thing you need do.

The modal verb need is mainly used in questions and negatives, which are formed without “do”:

Need I pay now?

♦ You need not worry. In American English, except for a few phrases such as “need I say more?”, the modal verb is used only in formal language and some journalism.

 

The negative need not is often shortened to needn’t in conversation and informal writing. The modal verb need does not change its form, so the third person singular of the present tense does not end in “-s”:

He need not take the exam.

The ordinary transitive verb need has a regular past tense needed:

They needed to be careful.

The modal verb need has no past tense, but it can be used in the pattern need not have/needn’t have followed by a past participle, to show that although someone did something, it was not necessary:

You needn’t have waited for me.

The ordinary transitive verb has a future tense will need:

You will need to show your passport.

In many cases, especially in questions and negatives using the simple present tense followed by an infinitive, there are two possible patterns: Need I come with you? = Do I need to come with you? ♦ He needn’t come. = He doesn’t need to come.

 

 

USES                      PHRASES

  1. 1

    [not usually progressive] if you need something, you  must have it because it  is necessary

     

    You'll need some warm clothes for the winter

    Jack needs a ride home from the soccer practice

    I don't need any advice from you.

    Will you  be needing any help?

    need something for something:

    I need two dollars for the bus.

    need someone to do something:

    I need someone to help me carry these books downstarir

    1. a.

      Used for saying whether it is necessary to do something

      need to do something:

      She'll need to take the test again

      I'll need to know your decision by next week

      Do I need to buy tickets for children?

      We don't need to get into an argument over this

       

      need do something:

      Need I go into details?

      The group had hoped to show that there is no need for public funds

       

      need not have done something:

      These abuses need not have occured if the government had taken steps to prevents them

    2. b.

      Used for saying whether it is necessary for a particular situation to exist

      You need to be over 18 to be eligibele to vote

  2. Used for emphasizing that something should be done

    something needs painting/cleaning etc.:

    The bathroom needs cleaning

    badly needs (=needs something very much):

    Their house badly needs a new coat of paint

    need to do something:

    I need to spend more time studying

    The issue pay needs to be discussed at  our next meeting

     

 

Phrases

  • need I say more?

    spoken

    used for saying something is so obvious that it is not necessary to give gime details about the reason for it

    Steve's last three relatioships werwe all disarters. Need I say more

     

  • need you ask?

    spoken

    used for saying that there is an obvious ansver to the question that someone has asked you

    Who is complaining“ "Heed you  ask?" Jim's mother of course."

     

  • who needs something?

    mainly spoken

    used for saying that you do not want or need something

    Who needs another party? Let's stay home.

     

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