A1verb 1K

Need

🇬🇧 UK /["/niːd/","/niːdz/","/ˈniːdɪd/","/ˈniːdɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/niːd/","/niːdz/","/ˈniːdɪd/","/ˈniːdɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Need

to require something/somebody because they are essential or very important, not just because you would like to have them

In simple words: to require something

Need in a sentence

• I need to finish my homework before dinner.
• Do you need any help with your project?
• She needs a new pair of shoes for the event.
• They need to leave early to avoid traffic.
• We need a plan to solve this problem.

How to use Need

Use 'need' in everyday situations when expressing requirements. Avoid using it in very formal contexts; in such cases, 'require' may be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

need + object

Memory hint

Think of 'knee-deep' in problems; when you need help, you’re knee-deep in it!

Related words

Collocations with Need

• badly
• desperately
• really
• be going to
• be expected to
• be likely to

Synonyms for Need

• require
• necessitate
• demand
• want
• desire

Opposites of Need

• want
• have
• lack

Common mistakes with Need

• 'Need' is sometimes incorrectly followed by a gerund (e.g., 'I need going').
• Confusing 'need' with 'want'; 'need' indicates necessity.
• Mistaking the past tense 'needed' for 'needing' incorrectly in sentences.

Frequently asked questions about Need

What does Need mean?

to require something

What is the definition of Need?

to require something/somebody because they are essential or very important, not just because you would like to have them

How do you use Need in a sentence?

I need to finish my homework before dinner.

Can you give another example of Need?

Do you need any help with your project?

What are synonyms for Need?

Common alternatives include require, necessitate, demand, want, desire.

What is the opposite of Need?

Opposite meanings include want, have, lack.

What words go with Need?

It commonly pairs with badly, desperately, really, be going to, be expected to, be likely to.

What are common mistakes when using Need?

'Need' is sometimes incorrectly followed by a gerund (e.g., 'I need going'). Confusing 'need' with 'want'; 'need' indicates necessity. Mistaking the past tense 'needed' for 'needing' incorrectly in sentences.

How do you pronounce Need?

US: /["/niːd/","/niːdz/","/ˈniːdɪd/","/ˈniːdɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/niːd/","/niːdz/","/ˈniːdɪd/","/ˈniːdɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Need?

Use 'need' in everyday situations when expressing requirements. Avoid using it in very formal contexts; in such cases, 'require' may be more appropriate.

What CEFR level is Need?

"Need" is at A1 level on the CEFR scale.