need, needs

The word need is both a noun and a verb, but it is often misused in its verb form.

As a noun, it means lacking a requirement; a necessity for fulfillment, well-being, supply, or relief; or a lack of something desirable or useful.

Examples:

• My needs are simple.
• The historical building has more than $3,000,000 in repair needs before restoration can begin.
• The program feeds those in need of a hot meal.

As a verb, the word need means to be in want, to be necessary, or to be a requisite. However, it takes several forms: as a main verb — an either intransitive verb or a transitive verb. It can also be an auxiliary verb and modal verb.

As a main transitive verb, sentence structure will be: subject need object.

Examples:

• Senator Larame needs the bill on his desk today.
• We need more money!
• She needs funds for treatment, so she started a GoFundMe.

As a main intransitive verb, sentence structure will be: subject need to (be)….

Examples:

• The causes of the bridge failure need to be examined.
• The board needs to be discussing the proposal.
• The house needs to be cleaned well before my mother comes to visit.

More informally, need can be used with a gerund (a verb that takes the -ing on the end). The sentence structure is similar to use with intransitive verbs, but instead looks like subject need verb-ing….

Examples:

• The causes of the bridge failure need examining.
• The board proposal needs discussing.
• The house needs cleaning well before my mother comes to visit.

As an auxiliary verb, a verb that helps or emphasizes other verbs in the sentence, need only takes its singular form. The auxiliary use is formal and not commonly used in conversation.

Examples:

• We need only travel to one conference this year.
• She need only pay $5 for the sandwich; I’ll cover the coffee.
• They need not copy that stack of papers.

Need is actually a semi-modal verb, indicating a obligation, possibility, or probability, and functions much like can or should. Just like need as an auxiliary verb, it remains unconjugated. It is mostly used in the negative form.

Examples:

• No one need stay inside on a beautiful day like this!
• You needn’t worry about that.
• We needn’t try the new cafe. I’ve heard awful things.

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