0
Geoyo Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

need not

I read the following: "The expression need not be evaluated"

Now I wonder if this is any different to:

"The expression does not need to be evaluated"

Under which circumstances do you use this syntax, "need not"? Which of the two versions is better / more natural?

A side question: Which is better, "I read somewhere that..." or "I have read somewhere that..."?
  

Top answer

com/questions/29409/why-use-need-not-instead-of-do-not-need-to This need is a modal verb : it always requires an infinitive without to ; it doesn't have do-support in questions and negative sentences; and the third person singular (he/she/it) doesn't have -s . This is the need in your example. It is slightly old fashioned.

— Underliner

  • com/questions/29409/why-use-need-not-instead-of-do-not-need-to This need is a modal verb : it always requires an infinitive without to ; it doesn't have do-support in questions and negative sentences; and the third person singular (he/she/it) doesn't have -s .
  • This is the need in your example.
  • It is slightly old fashioned.
  • Except in negative sentences and questions, I don't think you will see it much in modern writing, except in certain fixed expressions, such as if need be ("if necessary").
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
I believe it has been explained here: http://english.stackexchange.com/questions/29409/why-use-need-not-instead-of-do-not-need-to

This need is a modal verb: it always requires an infinitive without to; it doesn't have do-su
0
0
Thank you, that was very helpful
0
0
geoyoI read the following: "The expression need not be evaluated"Now I wonder if this is any different to:"The expression does not need to be evaluated"
They are the same.



CJ
geoyoWhich is better, "I read somewhere that..." or "I have read somewhere that..."?
I'd say "I read somewhere", but neither is real
0

Related Questions