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Cup cake Posted 10 years ago
Grammar

Need as a semi modal

Hi Everyone,

I'm wondering if the word - needs - in the following sentence is a semi modal, because of the verb 'is'.

What Frank needs is a bath after mowing the lawns.'

I guess I'm more interested in knowing which is the main verb in the sentence?

I would've thought it is - needs.

Many thanks
CC. Emotion: it wasnt me
  

Top answer

needs is the verb im the subordinate clause What Frank needs . That clause is the subject of the main clause. needs is not functioning as a modal verb here - modals do not take a third person singular -s ending.

— Fivejedjon

  • needs is the verb im the subordinate clause What Frank needs .
  • That clause is the subject of the main clause.
  • needs is not functioning as a modal verb here - modals do not take a third person singular -s ending.
  • The finite verb is is the verb in the main clause.
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2 Answers
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needs is the verb im the subordinate clause What Frank needs. That clause is the subject of the main clause. needs is not functioning as a modal verb here - modals do not take a third person singular -s ending. The finite verb is is the verb in the main clause.
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Thanks fivejedjon! Emotion: nodding

I changed my mind about 'need' being the main verb after I posted my question. I wasn't sure if it
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