need

need is part of the Basic English 850.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /niːd/
• SAMPA: /ni:d/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

Homophones

• knead
• kneed

Verb

Plain form need

Third-person singular needs

Past tense needed

Past participle needed

Present participle needing

1. If you need something, you want it and must have it.

   Everyone needs food and water.

2. If you need to do something, it is very important that you do it.

   Sir, you need to leave now.

Modal verb

Simple present need

Simple past needed

Negative needn't

1. If you need do something, you have to do it.

   Need you do that all the time?

   You needn't keep telling me. I heard you the first time.

Noun

Singular need

Plural needs

1. (countable) If you have a need for something, you must have it; something necessary or required.

   I've always tried to have few needs beyond food, clothing and shelter.