Blue Level

Lesson Twenty-nine

Need 

Past Tense

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

• I needed a nap this afternoon. (The word “nap” is an object.)
• You needed something to drink. (The word “something” is an object.)
• The kids needed to eat. (“To eat ” is an infinitive.)

Past Tense – negative

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

• The car didn’t need any gas . (The word “gas” is a noun that functions as an object in this sentence.)
• They didn’t need to stay longer. (“To stay ” is an infinitive.)
• The plants didnt need any more water. (The word “need” is often used with things. They didn’t need any more water.)

The verb “need” is often used in questions:

• What did you need from the store?
• Did you need to use my computer?
• Did they need any money?
• Why did he need to see a doctor?

Here are some examples:

Practice: Write in your notebook.

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb “need” in the past tense.

1. What _______they _________ ?
2. They ________ some boxes.
3. ______ he ________ any water?
4. I ________ ________ the sugar. (negative)
5. Who _________ the hammer?
6. The dog __________ more food.
7. We ________ _________ any help. (negative)
8. What time ________ you ________ the package?
9. ________ she _________ to work today?
10. Her mother ________ _________ to leave the hospital. (negative)

(Answers: 1. did….need; 2. needed; 3. Did….need; 4. didn’t need; 5. needed; 6. needed; 7. didn’t need; 8. did…. need; 9. Did….need; 10. didn’t need)

Click here for a quiz. / PDF version

Next: Lesson Thirty
Learn about singular verbs and nouns