Used to express necessity or obligation to do something.
It is necessary or important for someone to do something.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To be required or obliged to do something out of practical necessity.
"You need to submit the form before Friday or your application will be rejected."
We need to talk.
— Common cultural phrase, widely referenced in film and television, e.g. 'Lilo & Stitch' (2002) and countless other productions
To express that something is strongly advisable or important for a particular outcome.
"You need to rest if you want to recover quickly."
One of the most common semi-modal constructions in English. Unlike the modal 'need', 'need to' always takes an infinitive and follows normal auxiliary rules (e.g. 'do you need to go?'). Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "need to" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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