The verb “need” requires an object or an infinitive after it:

• I need some coffee. (The word “coffee” is an object.)
• She needs a ride. (The word “ride” is an object.)
• We need to go home. (“To go” is an infinitive.)

Present Tense – negative

Remember: You must have an object or an infinitive after “need.”

• They don’t need a new car . (The word “car” is a noun that functions as an object in this sentence.)
• She doesn’t need to work tomorrow. (“To work” is an infinitive.)
• This flashlight doesn’t need batteries. (The word “need” is often used with things. It doesn’t need batteries.)

The verb “need” is often used in questions:

• Is there something that you need?
• What does he need to do today?
• Do you need anything from the store?
• Why do you need to work on Saturday?
• Will I need to wear a jacket today?

Here are some examples:

A: What do you need from the store? B: I need some bread. or …. B: I need to get some bread.
A: Does he need to go to school today? B: Yes, he needs to go to school. or …. B: Yes, he does. B: Yes, he needs. (Don’t make a sentence like this!)
A:How many potatoes do we need? B: We need at least ten potatoes. How much lettuce do we need? We need three heads of lettuce.

Practice

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb “need.” Some questions require “do” or “does.”

1. What _______ he _________ ?
2. He ________ a pencil.
3. ______ you ________ any help?
4. I ________ ________ this. (negative)
5. Who _________ more to eat?
6. This flashlight _________ batteries.
7. The students _________ books.
8. I _______ ________ to go to work today. (negative)
9. When _______ they ________ to leave?
10. My car __________ an oil change.

(Answers: 1. does….need; 2. needs; 3. Do….need; 4. don’t need; 5. needs; 6. needs; 7. need; 8. don’t need; 9. do….need; 10. needs)

Next: Lesson Twenty-nine
Learn to use “need” in the past tense