need

Meanings

1. 1verbtransitive

   To have to have something because you cannot manage or succeed without it.

   Grammar: Takes an object: She needs a rest. In questions and negatives, it often behaves like a modal verb and takes no -s or to: He need not come.

   Patterns

   • need something
   • need to do something
   • need someone to do something
   • need something for something

   I need a new phone because mine keeps switching off.

   You need to show your passport at the border.

   We need more time to finish the project properly.

2. 2verbtransitive

   To be necessary or required for a particular purpose or situation.

   Grammar: Often used with a thing as subject: The car needs washing. Also common in the pattern need -ing with a passive meaning.

   Patterns

   • something needs doing
   • something needs to be done
   • need something for something

   The kitchen needs cleaning before the guests arrive.

   This plant needs plenty of sunlight to grow well.

   The report needs to be finished by Friday.

3. 3nouncountable or uncountable

   A situation in which something essential is lacking and must be provided.

   Grammar: Countable when referring to a particular requirement: a need for help. Uncountable in phrases like in need.

   Patterns

   • a need for something
   • in need of something
   • meet a need
   • no need to do something

   There is a growing need for affordable housing in the city.

   The charity helps families in need of food and clothing.

   There's no need to shout; I can hear you perfectly well.

Word forms

Common combinations

need help

If you need help with your homework, just ask.

need a break

After three hours of studying, I really need a break.

badly need something

The school badly needs new computers.

need to know

You need to know the password to open the file.

in need of

The old bridge is in need of repair.

no need

There's no need to apologize; it wasn't your fault.

Synonyms and how they differ

require

More formal than need; often used in rules and official statements, e.g. 'All passengers are required to wear seat belts.'

demand

Stronger and suggests that something must be done; used when there is no choice, e.g. 'This job demands a lot of patience.'

call for

A phrasal verb meaning 'need something as appropriate'; often used about actions, e.g. 'This situation calls for a calm response.'

Opposites

Word family

needy adjective

Lacking money or basic things; also used disapprovingly for someone who wants too much attention.

neediness noun

The state of being needy, especially wanting a lot of attention or affection.

Commonly confused: need or knead?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “need”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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