Should and Need

Nobody's got the answer right to my question. I was quite disappointed today, because the answer was right there under your nose! Oh well, I'd save the chocolate bar for another time. 


So, the lesson on the modals 'should' and 'need' will be done via this blog, as this is not difficult, and we could save a lot of our class time. Shall we begin?

• Should and need are both modals.
• They are used in different situations to serve different purposes.

Let us look at each of them individually:

Should ·         We use the modal ‘should’ to indicate giving advice. ·         It is similar in meaning to ‘must’. Example: You should talk to your parents about your problem. You should exercise regularly to maintain a healthy body, Should not ·         ‘Should not’ is the negative of ‘should’. ·         It can be written as ‘should not’ or in its contracted form ‘shouldn’t’. Example: You should not be so rude to the salesman. You shouldn't have left your gate open.

Need ·         We use the modal ‘need’ or ‘need to’ to indicate a necessity or ‘have to’. ·         There are two simple rules to observe. Ø  Use a noun after ‘need’ Example: You have been working very hard. You need a break. Ø  We can also use need+to+infinitive verb Example: I need to get to school by 7.30 a.m. Need not ·         ‘Need not’ is the negative of ‘need’. ·         After ‘needn’t’ we must use an infinitive verb without ‘to’. Example: We needn’t worry about Maria. She’ll be alright.

An exercise for this lesson can be accessed here, Exercise 2.

Download this exercise, print and complete it, and put in your Grammar folder.

Bring to class on Friday. Toodles!