need

Use the word “need” when it’s important or necessary to get something. This is an extremely common word in English.

What do you need?

This verb is used for things that are necessary and for things that a person doesn’t have. These sentences are in the present tense.

Notice that “need” is often followed by an infinitive:

If something is necessary, a person needs it.

This verb often appears in the simple and perfect verb tenses; however, it is usually not used in continuous tenses:

Mavis and Tom needed a new washing machine. (past tense)
They had needed a new washing machine for the last few months, and finally they got one. (past perfect tense)
You will need time to study for your next test. (future tense)
Fred might need some gloves. (modal verb + need)
The company shouldn’t need to hire more people. They have enough workers already. (modal verb + not + need)

The verb “need” is stative, so it doesn’t normally take an “ing” ending.

I’~~m needing~~ a new pair of shoes. / I need a new pair of shoes.
We~~‘re aren’t~~ needing any more. / We don’t need any more.
You won’t be needing that any longer. (Some continuous tense forms for “need” are common and okay in spoken English.)

She needed some dental work, so she went to the dentist.
She needed to have her teeth cleaned.
She also needed a filing for a cavity, but she will do that on her next visit. (past tense)

Polar bears will need our help if they are to survive a changing climate. (future tense)

When the word “need” is a noun, it refers to a thing that is very important such as food, clothing, shelter, love, protection, safety, etc.

They have some very basic needs that must be met.
How are they going to meet their needs. (Notice that the verb “meet” is often used with “need” when it’s a noun.)
Children have a need for love and protection.
Refugees are often need of food, clothing, and shelter.
International organizations help meet the needs of people who are in crisis.
Wealthy countries have a responsibility to help meet the needs of countries that are experiencing drought or famine.

When you see an article such as “a” or “the” in front of “need,” it’s a noun. As a noun, it’s often made plural: needs.

The examples below show various ways in which “need” is used in popular expressions.

He has a need for speed. (He loves going fast.)
If need be, I can stay late. (if need be = if necessary)
There’s a crying need for better schools in this city. (a crying need = a big need)
Those people are in dire need of food and water. (in dire need = a matter of survival)
Do you need a hand a with that? (need a hand = need help)
There’s no need. (You don’t have to do that.)
You need not apply if you aren’t willing to work hard. (need not = don’t need)