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need · verb T /niːd/Full view
Nouns: need, needs
Adjectives: needless, needy
Verbs: need
Adverbs: needlessly
need (MUST HAVE)
A1 If you need something, you must have it.
Dictionary examples:

I need some new shoes.

Babies need constant care.

He needs an operation.

I need you to help me choose an outfit.

I badly need a break from all this.

Learner example:

When you need help, everyone give[s] you help. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Slovak)

need to do sth
A1 If you need to do something, it is necessary to do it.
Dictionary examples:

I need to do some shopping on my way home from work.

I need to go to the bathroom.

Do we need to go with her?

Learner example:

I need to l[earn] Engl[i]sh. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; Farsi)

don't need to do sth/needn't do sth
A2 used in order to say that someone does not have to do something or should not do something
Dictionary examples:

I can get there myself so you don't need to take me.

You needn't bring any food.

Learner example:

You don't need to bring anything, but if you want, you can bring some pencil[s]. (Key English Test; A2; Chinese)

need (MUST BE DONE)
B1 If something needs something to be done to it, that thing should be done in order to improve it.
Dictionary examples:

The car needs to be serviced.

This room needs brightening up a bit.

She needs to wash her hair.

Learner example:

It is so beautiful but it needs washing all the time. (Preliminary English Test; B1; French)

There needs to be sth
C2 used to say that something is necessary
Dictionary example:

There needs to be more funding for education in this country.

Learner example:

Secondly, there needs to be a proper choice of subjects taught, because what we should get in the end is a versatile person, not just some math or literature freak who is not interested in anything else. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

need · noun /niːd/
Nouns: need, needs
Adjectives: needless, needy
Verbs: need
Adverbs: needlessly
need
B2 no plural something that is necessary to have or do
Dictionary examples:

There's a growing need for affordable housing in the larger cities.

Is there any need to change the current system?

Learner example:

In conclusion, I beli[e]ve that human beings will always have the need for knowledge and entertainment at the same time. (First Certificate in English; B2; Portuguese)

no need
B2 If there is no need to do something or no need for something, it is not necessary or it is wrong.
Dictionary examples:

There's no need to go to the store - there's plenty of food in the refrigerator.

I understand why she was angry but there was no need for that kind of language.

There's no need to shout, for goodness' sake! Just calm down.

Learner example:

He told me that I could trust him with the ticket and that there was no need for me to take it home. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

be in need of sth
B2 to need something
Dictionary example:

My car's in desperate need of repair.

Learner example:

He is also constantly in need of money. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

needs
B2 the things you need in order to have a good life
Dictionary examples:

her emotional needs

The city is struggling to meet the needs of its homeless people.

Learner example:

I love swimming and cycling and that is why I want to ask if there are any facilities that could suit my needs? (First Certificate in English; B2; Polish)

if need be
C2 if it is necessary
Dictionary example:

If need be, we can take two cars.

Learner example:

On the one hand I won't indulge my children's whims and I will lecture them or punish them if need be. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; French)

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