The semi-modal NEED

Present and future

Need can behave either as a modal verb or as a main verb:

  • As a modal verb, need is most typically used in negative sentences or in affirmative sentences with a negative meaning. It expresses absence of obligation or necessity, and it is followed by a bare infinitive:

    You needn't worry about that.
    No one need be surprised at what happened.
    You need only just ask.
    I doubt whether I need help you.

    Need as a modal verb also occurs in interrogative sentences, but this use is much more formal:

    Need you make so much noise?

  • Need as a main verb is followed by a to-infinitive and expresses that something is necessary. It can be used in affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences:

    Do you have a minute? I need to talk to you about something.
    I don't need to be told that I should lose weight.
    Do you need to use the hairdryer?
    If you want good results, you will need to work harder.

Past

  • The past tense of the main verb need to is needed to:

    I needed to have my hair cut.
    Why did they need to change the lock?

    The negative form didn't need + to-infinitive normally refers to actions which were unnecessary and were not performed:

    We didn't need to buy any milk. We had plenty at home. (we didn't have to buy any milk, and we didn't buy any)

  • Need as a modal does not have a past tense form. Needn't + perfect bare infinitive (have + past participle), however, is used for actions which were performed but were unnecessary:

    We needn't have bought any milk. We still have plenty at home. (we bought some milk, but it wasn't necessary)

Rate this page

up
589 users like this page.