Auxiliary Verb 'Need' expresses absence of necessity

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Auxiliary Verb 'Need'

AUXILIARY VERB ' NEED'

Uses of Auxiliary Verb "NEED"

'Need' used as a semi-modal and main verb mostly in the negative form. As a modal verb it expresses absence of obligation or necessity and As a main verb it indicate that there is necessity to do something.

'Need' can be used as an ordinary/normal/main verb and an auxiliary or semi-modal verb.

'Need' used as a semi-modal and main verb because in some ways it is like a modal verb and in other ways like a main verb. We use need mostly in the negative form to indicate that there is no obligation or necessity to do something. It can be used as an normal verb (with 'to') and an auxiliary verb (without 'to').

It is used as :
• Normal verb (followed by an infinitive with 'to')
• Auxiliary verb (without 'to')

We use 'need' as Normal/Main verb. (followed by an infinitive with 'to')

As a main verb 'need' is followed by a to-infinitive and expresses that something is necessary. It can be used in affirmative, negative and interrogative sentences.

Examples:

(a) Affirmative Sentences.

• I need to do it.
• We need to go home.
• We need to help her.
• You need to talk to him.
• We need to find a way out.
• I need to have my hair cut.
• I need to talk to you about something.
• If you want good results, you will need to work harder.

(b) Negative Sentences.

• I do not need to do it.
• You need not talk to them.
• I don't need to work next Monday.
• She doesn't need to work tomorrow.
• You don't need to come to the meeting next week.
• I don't need to be told that I should lose weight.
• I didn’t need to buy any books. They were all in the library.

(c) Interrogative Sentences.

• Does he need to do it?
• Does Raj need to go now?
• What does he need to do today?
• Do you need to use the hairdryer?
• Will I need to wear a jacket today?
• Why do you need to work on Saturday?
• Why did they need to change the lock?
• Do you need to get up early tomorrow?

We use 'need' as Auxiliarie verb.

As a modal verb, 'need' is most typically used in negative sentences or in affirmative sentences with a negative meaning. It expresses absence of obligation or necessity, and it is followed by a bare infinitive.

Examples:

(a) Affirmative Sentences.

• I need some money.
• He needs our help.
• I need some coffee.
• No one need read this.
• You need only just ask.
• We need more volunteers.
• We have got what we needed.
• I doubt whether I need help you.
• Friend in need is a friend indeed.
• I need more time to finish the job.
• He need only ask and I will tell him.
• If you need anything, please tell me.
• I need more time to decide the question.
• Let’s forget about it. No one need know about it.
• Nobody need know the name of the person who made the complaint.

(b) Negative Sentences.

• You need not wait.
• They don't need a new car.
• You don’t need an umbrella.
• You need not come tomorrow.
• They need not make an issue.
• She need not wait any longer.
• He need not ask my permission.
• You need not worry about that.
• You needn’t have waited for me.
• You need not return this money.
• You need not ask my permission.
• We need not have waited for them.
• You need not come if you are busy.
• You need not have lost your temper.
• They need not make such a fuss over it.
• No one need be surprised at what happened.
• We need not have wasted our time on that project.
• My hair doesn’t need cutting for at least another month.

(c) Interrogative Sentences.

• Need I come again?
• Do you need any help?
• Need we wait any longer?
• Need we write this down?
• Need you make so much noise?
• Need I tell you anything more?
• Is there something that you need?
• Need I discuss this matter with her?
• Do you need anything from the store?

Types of Auxiliary Verbs

(1) Auxiliary–cum–verbs.

"Auxiliary-cum-verbs" are :

These 11 auxiliaries are also used as verbs, therefore, they are called Auxiliary–cum–verbs. These are used to form Tenses. ( Please refer Tense Table).

(2) Pure Auxiliary verbs..

"Pure Auxiliary verbs" are :

These 20 auxiliaries only support normal verbs, therefore, they are called Pure Auxiliary Verbs. They are also called Models or Model Auxiliary Verbs.

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