need
- 01 A1 Beginner
v.to have to have something because it is necessary or very important.
v.to require something because it is essential or very important rather than just desirable.
Simple“Plants need water and sunlight in order to grow well.”
In context“The rescue team determined that the survivors would need immediate medical attention and a supply of clean drinking water.”
UsageThis is a stative verb and is rarely used in the continuous form.
PitfallI am needing some help with my homework. I need some help with my homework.In its standard sense, 'need' is a stative verb and is not usually used in the continuous (-ing) form.
- 02 A2 Elementary
v.to have to do something.
v.to be under an obligation or necessity to perform an action; often used as a modal or semi-modal verb.
Simple“You need to finish your vegetables before you can have dessert.”
In context“We need to address the underlying structural issues before we can proceed with the aesthetic renovations of the building.”
UsageIn negative sentences and questions, it can act like a modal verb (e.g., 'You needn't go').
- 03 A2 Elementary
n.something that you must have or do.
n.a condition or situation in which something is required or wanted.
Simple“There is a great need for new teachers in this city.”
In context“The report highlighted an urgent need for increased investment in public transport to reduce urban congestion.”
UsageOften used in the phrase 'in need of'.
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
n.a state of not having enough money, food, or a place to live.
n.a state of extreme poverty or destitution.
Simple“The charity works to help families who are in great need.”
In context“The foundation was established to provide relief to those living in dire need following the economic collapse.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is quite formal; in everyday conversation, people usually say 'poverty' or 'hardship'.
Usage need to know · need to start · need to work
From Middle English need, nede, a merger of two terms: Old English nīed (West Saxon), nēd (Mercian), nēad (“necessity, compulsion, want”), from Proto-West Germanic naudi, from Proto-Germanic naudiz, from Proto-Indo-European neh₂w- (“death”). Old English nēod (“desire, longing”), from Proto-West Germanic niudi (“desire, eagerness”), from Proto-Indo-European *new- (“to incline, tend, move, push, nod, wave”).
From Middle English neden, from Old English nēodian.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.