Conjugation

Need

avoir besoin de

Regular verb.

  • A state, not an action

    need usually describes a state, so it rarely takes the -ing tenses: I need, not I’m needing.

In speech, the helping verbs shorten: I’m, he’s, we’re, I’ve, I’ll, I’d.

Newbie

Enough to talk about now, the past, and your plans, and to give instructions.

  1. Present simple

    Habits, facts, and how things usually are. To say no or ask, add do or does: I don't need, he doesn't need.

    1. I / you / we / they need
    2. he / she / it needs

  2. Present continuous

    What is happening now, and plans already arranged: we’re leaving tomorrow.

    1. I am needing
    2. you / we / they are needing
    3. he / she / it is needing

  3. Past simple

    A finished action at a past time: yesterday, in 2020. To say no or ask, add did: I didn't need.

    1. I / you / he / she / it / we / they needed

  4. Future with going to

    Plans and intentions, and what you can see coming: it’s going to rain.

    1. I am going to need
    2. you / we / they are going to need
    3. he / she / it is going to need

  5. Imperative

    Orders, advice, and instructions. Let’s suggests doing it together. To say no: don't need.

    1. (you) need
    2. let's need