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B29 Need Past Tense

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Lesson Twenty-nine

Need
Past Tense

singular
plural
I needed _______
We needed _____
You needed ______
You needed _____
He needed _____
She needed _____
It needed _____
They needed _____

 

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.)

 

The verb Need in the Past Tense – Negative

singular
plural
I didn’t need _____
We didn’t need ____
You didn’t need ____
You didn’t need ____
He didn’t need____
She didn’t need ____
It didn’t need ____
They didn’t need ____

 

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?

 

Examples for the use of the verb Need in the Past Tense

  • 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.

 

Practice: Write in your notebook.

Directions: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb “need” in the past tense.

  1. What _______they _________ ?
  2. They ________ some boxes.
  3. ______ he ________ any water?
  4. I ________ ________ the sugar. (negative)
  5. Who _________ the hammer?
  6. The dog __________ more food.
  7. We ________ _________ any help. (negative)
  8. What time ________ you ________ the package?
  9. ________ she _________ to work today?
  10. Her mother ________ _________ to leave the hospital. (negative)

(Answers: 1. did….need; 2. needed; 3. Did….need; 4. didn’t need; 5. needed; 6. needed; 7. didn’t need; 8. did…. need; 9. Did….need; 10. didn’t need)

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Next: Lesson Thirty
Learn about singular verbs and nouns

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