need

need1 [ nid ] verb ***

Need can be used in the following ways:

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.

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 soccer practice.

I don't need any advice from you.

Will you be needing any help?

need something for something: I need $1.50 for the bus.

need someone to do something: I need someone to help me carry these books downstairs.

a ) used for saying whether it is necessary to do something:

need to do something: She'll need to take the test over again.

I'll need to know your decision by next week.

Do I need to buy tickets for the 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 demonstrate that good art need not rely on public funds to be seen by the public.

need not have done something: These abuses need not have occurred if the government had taken steps to prevent them.

b ) used for saying whether it is necessary for a particular situation to exist:

You need to be over 18 to be able 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 coat of paint.

need to do something: I need to spend more time studying.

The issue of pay needs to be discussed at our next meeting.

need I say more? SPOKEN

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

Steve's last three relationships were all disasters. Need I say more?

need you ask? SPOKEN

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

Who's been complaining? Need 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.

need

need 2 [ nid ] noun ***

singular or uncount a situation in which it is necessary for something to be done:

The bank will lend us more money, should the need arise.

need for: The government recognizes the need for immediate action.

There isn't much need for further research.

a need to do something: We feel there is a need to improve internal communications.

a. count usually plural something that you need in order to be healthy, comfortable, successful, etc.:

someone's needs: People with mental health problems have special needs.

meet a need (=provide what is needed): We want this school to meet the needs of all our children.

have no need of something

to not need something:

We have no need of this old software now that we have a new system.

if need be

if necessary:

I'll ask someone to help you, if need be.

in need

not having enough food, money, clothing, or other things that are necessary for life:

families in need

We try to help those most in need.

in need of something

needing something:

He came in tired and hungry and badly in need of a bath.

My car is in need of repair.

there is no need (for someone) to do something or there is no need for something

used for saying that something does not have to be done or should not be done:

There's no need for you to stay late I can finish this.

There's no need for all this violence.