The Semi-Modal Verb Need

The Semi-Modal Verb Need

It conveys an absence of necessity or obligation, and it is followed by a bare infinitive as a modal verb.

Need is a semi-modal verb. It is used in two ways as a modal verb and an action verb (main verb).

  1. Need is used as a modal verb:

Sub + need + action + obj.

You need go there.

She need take a rest now.

He need prepare his topic.

Needn’t /need not is used in no obligation or not essential to do something.

She needn’t go there. (Modal verb)

You needn’t fight with your neighbours.

She needn’t go alone over there.

She need not shift her house.

There are different words to indicate no obligation to do something—for example, no one, nobody, nothing. Need is used without ‘not’ when the above negative words are taken.

No one need tell a lie to him. I will handle the situation.

Nobody need express anything.

Interrogative sentence:

Need + Sub + action + obj?

Need you take a shower?

Need he learn the guitar?

Need they sell their property?

Need I take medicine thrice a day?

Past:

 ‘Need not have’ is used as a modal verb that denotes past. Or we can say it is used to convey an action that was not required but was done.

He need not have gone there.

I Need not have worked in school last year.

  • Need is also used as an ordinary verb/action. For examples:

You need to get ready soon.

He needs to win the match. Otherwise, he may lose his money in games of snooker.

You don’t need to go with him.

He doesn’t need to ask her.

Employees don’t need to tell a lie.

Does he need to teach kids?

Does he not need to leave his job? Or doesn’t he need to leave his job?

Do you need to carry the luggage?

Don’t you need to make a speech for the conference?

Note: ‘s’ is not used with need as a modal verb.

Exercise:

  1. Her hair is looking dirty. she ……. to wash. ( needs, need)
  2. Her bicycle is not helping in riding. She …… repair it. (need, needs)
  3. My animals are not hungry. They ……… to feed. (don’t need/need not)
  4. She knows how to speak English. She …….. learn English. (need not/ needs not)
  5. His room is untidy. He …….. to clean it. (needs/need)
  6. Bhupendra …….. to work in school last year. (didn’t need/need not have)
  7. He …………… gone there last month. (need not have/ didn’t need to )
  8. Do you …….. learn computer for a job? ( need to/needs to/need)

Does he …….. meet his uncle?  

  • (needs to/need to/ need)

10. did he ……. Speak English before the interviewer? (need to/ needed to/need have)

3,109 thoughts on “The Semi-Modal Verb Need

  1. I am typically to blogging and i actually admire your content. The article has actually peaks my interest. I’m going to bookmark your website and maintain checking for brand new information.

  2. Superior blog! I truly love how it is simple on my eyes and the information are well written. I’m wondering how I could be notified whenever a new post has become made. I have subscribed to your RSS which must do the trick! Have an excellent day!

  3. I cherished as much as you will receive performed proper here. The caricature is attractive, your authored material stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you would like be handing over the following. sick definitely come further formerly once more as precisely the similar nearly a lot frequently inside of case you defend this hike.

  4. You can certainly see your skills in the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. Always go after your heart.

  5. paxil adverse effects [url=https://paxil.directory/#]paroxetine 10mg tabs [/url] switching from lexapro to paxil what are the sexual ide effects of wellbutrin and paxil

  6. dissertation writing advice
    [url=”https://bestdissertationwritingservice.net”]books and dissertation about mafa people[/url]
    phd dissertation writing help

  7. jeffers ivermectin [url=https://ivermectin.beauty/#]cost of ivermectin medicine [/url] ivermectin pour on for chickens what happenes in a man eates ivermectin past 1.87%

  8. alternatives to synthroid [url=http://synthroidus.com/#]synthroid buy online canada [/url] what is a normal dose of levothyroxine how to lose weight while on synthroid

  9. An impressive share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a friend who has
    been doing a little research on this. And he in fact bought me lunch simply because I discovered it for him…
    lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
    But yeah, thanx for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your web site.

    http://naturestears.com.xx3.kz/go.php?url=https://classicandmuscleclassified.com/user/profile/6728
    https://urdu1.tv/?URL=http://numizmat.devsquad.hu/forum/profile/fredrickupjohn6/

  10. Hello great blog! Does running a blog like this require
    a massive amount work? I have very little expertise in computer programming however I was hoping to
    start my own blog soon. Anyway, should you have any recommendations
    or tips for new blog owners please share. I know this is off subject however I just wanted to ask.
    Kudos!

    http://l.jplopsoft.idv.tw/27676/
    http://projectbee.com/redirect.php?url=https://jauczen.pl/index.php/community/profile/derickwaldon15/