the auxiliary “need” (in affirmative sentences?)

Asked Jul 27 '20 at 23:54

Active Jul 27 '20 at 23:54

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I remember being told the modal “need” is used only in interrogative and negative sentences and was for quite a long time more idiomatic than the normal forms, but is there anything wrong with the following examples, in which “need” can seemingly be replaced with “must”?

All you need do is ask.

He wonders if he need go.

In order to pass the course you need pass the exam.

Is the only crime here some awkwardness, or are these ungrammatical?

Thank you!

asked Jul 27 '20 at 23:54

David Marlowe

1

Semi-modal need and dare are negative polarity items; that is, they can only occur in negative environments, which includes questions and if clauses. That explains why (1-2) are grammatical. (3) is ungrammatical, however, since that clause isn't a negative environment. – John Lawler Jul 28 '20 at 00:06
@JohnLawler Thank you, I had never heard of “negative polarity items,” but the first isn’t a question, so does the pronoun “all,” because it means “the only thing,” introduce a negative environment? – David Marlowe Jul 28 '20 at 00:16
So I can write, “In order to pass the course you need only pass the exam,” but have to find another word for example three above? – David Marlowe Jul 28 '20 at 00:30
1

Yes, only is a negative trigger. But adding only changes the meaning somewhat. – John Lawler Jul 28 '20 at 02:15

the auxiliary “need” (in affirmative sentences?)

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