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Need(n't), don't need to and don't have to, Other verbs often…
Need(n't), don't need to and don't have to
We can use need as an ordinary or modal verb (followed by a bare infinitive). As a modal verb, it doesn't change its tense and doesn't add -s for the third-person singular.
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When it is a modal verb, need is most commonly used in negative sentences:
I've already cleaned the car, so you needn't bother to do it.
I was very nervous before the interview, but I needn't have worried- I got the job!
It is sometimes used in questions, but we prefer to use need as an ordinary verb or have to:
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It's rarely used in affirmative sentences (that is, no questions or negatives), but is sometimes found in written English, particularly in fiction:
We need have no fear for Nicole, she can take care of herself.
In other styles of formal written English it is used in this way with negative words such as hardly, never, nobody / no one, and only.
The changes need only be small to make the proposals acceptable. (Less formally the changes only need to be...)
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We can often use either needn't or don't have to with little difference in meaning to say that it is unnecessary to do something.
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However, some people prefer needn't when it is the speaker who decides the lack of necessity, and don't have to when somebody else or external rules make something unnecessary.
As you worked late yesterday, you needn't come in until ten tomorrow morning. (The speaker's decision)
We’ve been told that we don't have to be at work until ten tomorrow. (Reporting someone else decision)
We can use needn't (or don't have to) to say that something is not necessary true. We don't use mustn't in this way.
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Nowadays, it needn't cost a fortune to own an e-book reader.(nowdays it doesn't have to cost...)
Other verbs often used with need (needn't): Apply, concern, fear, involve, mean, panic.