Modal Verb Need

Exercises

Explanation

Modal verb: need + verb
Normal verb: need to + verb

When Something Is Necessary

Use need to (or needs to) to say that something is important or required.

Examples:
I need to visit my grandparents this weekend.
He needs to take his medicine every day.
We need to be quiet in the library.
They need to wear helmets when cycling.

When Something Is NOT Necessary

Use don’t/doesn’t need to or needn’t to say that something is not necessary.

Examples:
You don’t need to bring food — we have plenty.
She doesn’t need to get up early today.
You needn’t worry; everything is fine.
We didn’t need to hurry — the train was late anyway.

Asking Questions

Use Do I need to...? or Does he/she need to...? to ask if something is necessary. You can also say Need I...? in more formal English.

Examples:
Do I need to call the doctor?
Does he need to come to the meeting?
Need we stay here longer? (formal)

Past and Future

Use needed to for the past, and will need to for the future.

Examples:
I needed to finish the project yesterday.
We will need to clean the house tomorrow.
He will need to wear a suit for the wedding.

Something Was Done But Wasn’t Necessary

Use needn’t have + past participle when you did something, but it was not really needed.

Examples:
You needn’t have washed the dishes — I already did it.
I needn’t have bought milk; there’s plenty in the fridge.

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