Uses of Need: Modal Verb or Main Verb?

When to use “need“ “Need” can either act as a modal verb or as a main verb. Because of this, it is called a semi-modal verb. When “need” is used as a modal verb, it is followed by the base form of a main verb, and doesn’t have -s in the third person singular. The modal verb “need” is almost always used in negative sentences and questions. When “need” acts as the main verb: It takes “s“ in the third person singular; It is followed by an infinitive with “to“; In the interrogative form, “do“ is used; In the negative form, the auxiliary verb “don’t“ is used;