Past Tense

The verb “need” requires an object or an infinitive after it:

• I needed a nap this afternoon. (The word “nap” is an object.)
• You needed something to drink. (The word “something” is an object.)
• The kids needed to eat. (“To eat ” is an infinitive.)

Past Tense – negative

Remember: You must have an object or an infinitive after “need.”

• The car didn’t need any gas . (The word “gas” is a noun that functions as an object in this sentence.)
• They didn’t need to stay longer. (“To stay ” is an infinitive.)
• The plants didnt need any more water. (The word “need” is often used with things. They didn’t need any more water.)

The verb “need” is often used in questions:

• What did you need from the store?
• Did you need to use my computer?
• Did they need any money?
• Why did he need to see a doctor?

Here are some examples:

A: What did the baby need? B: He needed his bottle. or …. B: He needed to drink some milk.
A: Did you need any more coffee? B: Yes, I needed another cup. or…. B: Yes, I did.
A: What did they need to get from the store? B: They needed to get some bread. A: How much did they need? B: They needed one loaf.

Quiz

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb “need” in the past tense.
What _______they _________ ?
They ________ some boxes.
______ he ________ any water?
I ________ ________ the sugar. (negative)
Who _________ the hammer?
The dog __________ more food.
We ________ _________ any help. (negative)
What time ________ you ________ the package?
________ she _________ to work today?
Her mother ________ _________ to leave the hospital. (negative)

You get total points

did,need,needed,Did,need,didn’t,need,needed,needed,didn’t,need,did,need,Did,need,didn’t,need