Modal Verbs: need
NEED
“NEED/NEED’T” with Indefinite Infinitive
Need can function as a modal auxiliary verb when it is used with Indefinite Infinitive to express necessity or obligation.
Need in the Present Indefinite tense is used for creating negative and question sentences.
Necessity and obligation:
You need finish your homework before you can go out to play.
I need get to the airport on time for my flight.
Lack of necessity and obligation (modal usage)
You needn’t worry about it. (Negative form of need indicating no obligation or necessity)
We needn’t have gone to the meeting. (Indicating that something was unnecessary in the past)
Polite requests (modal usage)
Need I remind you to take out the trash? (Indicating a polite request)
Need you leave so soon? (Indicating a polite request for someone to stay longer)
Note that when need is used as a modal verb, it is often followed by the base form of the verb (infinitive without to).
“NEED or NEED’T” with Perfect Infinitive
When Need is used with Perfect Infinitive it expresses a lack of necessity or obligation in the past and acts as a modal verb.
Examples:
We needn’t have bothered with the extra paperwork; it wasn’t necessary.
She needn’t have come all this way just to see me.
“NEED” as a Main Verb
Need can also function as a main verb, meaning to require or be necessary.
When need is used as a main verb, it is typically followed by an object and an infinitive (with or without to), indicating what is needed or required.
Examples:
I need a new pair of shoes.
They need to hire more staff to handle the workload.
She needed some time to herself to think.
We need to finish this project by Friday.
In these examples, need is used as a main verb to express necessity or requirement.
It is followed by an object (e.g., a new pair of shoes, more staff, some time to herself, to finish this project) and an infinitive (with or without to) indicating what is needed or required.
“NEED” in the question form
In the question form, need as a main verb is typically used to ask about a requirement or necessity.
Examples: Do you need any help with that?
Does the company need to update its technology?
Do we need to bring anything to the party?
Do you need to leave so soon?
“NEED” in question or negative sentences
When need is used as a main verb in a question or negative sentence, an auxiliary verb (do, does, did) is added to form the question or negative.
Examples: Do you need any help with that? (question form, present tense)
Does the company need to update its technology? (question form, present tense)
Did you need any assistance earlier? (question form, past tense)
We don’t need to rush; we have plenty of time. (negative form, present tense)
He didn’t need any further instructions; he understood what to do. (negative form, past tense)
In these examples, need is used as a main verb in combination with an auxiliary verb to form question or negative sentences.
Auxiliary Verbs: shall and will