Need vs. Needs: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 7, 2023
Need is a noun signifying a requirement or a verb meaning to require, while Needs is either the third person singular form of the verb or the plural form of the noun.
Key Differences
Need and Needs are primarily differentiated by their grammatical function, with "Need" serving both as a singular noun and base form of the verb, and "Needs" acting as the third person singular conjugation of the verb or plural form of the noun.
As a verb, Need indicates necessity or obligation. For instance, "I need to exercise." On the other hand, Needs aligns with third-person singular subjects: "She needs to exercise."
When considering Need as a noun, it represents a requirement or something essential. In contrast, Needs as a noun denotes multiple necessities or requirements.
Utilizing Need or Needs correctly involves understanding the subject-verb agreement. If the subject is third person singular (like "he," "she," or "it"), Needs is the appropriate choice.
For non-native speakers, the distinction between Need and Needs might appear minor. Still, mastering such nuances can significantly improve one's proficiency in English.
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Function
Acts as a noun or base form of the verb.
Third person singular verb or plural noun.
Usage as Verb
"I need to eat."
"She needs to eat."
Usage as Noun
Refers to a single requirement.
Refers to multiple requirements.
Common Subject Association
I, you, we, they.
He, she, it.
Verb Form
Base form.
Third person singular.
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Need and Needs Definitions
Need
A requirement or necessity.
Humans have a basic need for shelter.
Needs
Third person singular form of "need".
She needs to study for her exam.
Need
A condition or situation in which something must be supplied in order for a certain condition to be maintained or a desired state to be achieved
Crops in need of water.
A child's need for affection.
Needs
Desires or wants.
He understands your needs and concerns.
Need
Something required or wanted; a requisite
"Those of us who led the charge for these women's issues ... shared a common vision in the needs of women" (Olympia Snowe).
Needs
Things necessary for survival.
One's daily needs might vary.
Need
Necessity; obligation
There is no need for you to go.
Needs
Necessities or requirements.
Human basic needs include food and water.
Need
A condition of poverty or misfortune
The family is in dire need.
Needs
Of necessity; necessarily
We must needs go.
Need
To be under the necessity of or the obligation to
They need not come. You needn't be concerned.
Needs
(archaic) Either directly or indirectly preceded or followed by an auxiliary verb, often must: of necessity or need; necessarily, indispensably.
Need
To have need of; require
The family needs money. We need to get some more paint.
Needs
Plural of need
Need
To have an obligation (to do something)
You need to clean up your room.
Needs
Of necessity; necessarily; indispensably; - often with must, and equivalent to of need.
A man must needs love mauger his head.
And he must needs go through Samaria.
He would needs know the cause of his repulse.
Need
To be subject (to an action) by obligation
Bags need to be stowed underneath the seat in front of you.
Needs
In such a manner as could not be otherwise;
It is necessarily so
We must needs by objective
Need
To want to be subject to
We don't need another lecture on the subject.
Needs
Essential purposes.
This tool meets multiple needs in one.
Need
To be in need or want.
Need
To be necessary.
Need
A requirement for something; something needed.
There's no need to speculate; we can easily find out for sure.
She grew irritated with his constant need for attention.
Our needs are not being met.
I've always tried to have few needs beyond food, clothing and shelter.
Need
Lack of means of subsistence; poverty; indigence; destitution.
Need
(transitive) To have an absolute requirement for.
Living things need water to survive.
Need
(transitive) To want strongly; to feel that one must have something.
After ten days of hiking, I needed a shower and a shave.
Need
(modal verb) To be obliged or required (to do something).
You need not go if you don't want to.
Need
(intransitive) To be required; to be necessary.
Need
To be necessary (to someone).
Need
A state that requires supply or relief; pressing occasion for something; necessity; urgent want.
And the city had no need of the sun.
I have no need to beg.
Be governed by your needs, not by your fancy.
Need
Want of the means of subsistence; poverty; indigence; destitution.
Famine is in thy cheeks;Need and oppression starveth in thine eyes.
Need
That which is needful; anything necessary to be done; (pl.) necessary things; business.
Need
Situation of need; peril; danger.
Need
To be in want of; to have cause or occasion for; to lack; to require, as supply or relief.
Other creatures all day longRove idle, unemployed, and less need rest.
Need
To be wanted; to be necessary.
When we have done it, we have done all that is in our power, and all that needs.
Need
Of necessity. See Needs.
Need
A condition requiring relief;
She satisfied his need for affection
God has no need of men to accomplish His work
There is a demand for jobs
Need
Anything that is necessary but lacking;
He had sufficient means to meet his simple needs
I tried to supply his wants
Need
The psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior;
We did not understand his motivation
He acted with the best of motives
Need
A state of extreme poverty or destitution;
Their indigence appalled him
A general state of need exists among the homeless
Need
Require as useful, just, or proper;
It takes nerve to do what she did
Success usually requires hard work
This job asks a lot of patience and skill
This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice
This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert
This intervention does not postulates a patient's consent
Need
Have need of;
This piano wants the attention of a competent tuner
Need
Have or feel a need for;
Always needing friends and money
Need
To be under the obligation to do something.
I need to complete my assignment.
Need
A situation demanding immediate action.
There's a need to act quickly.
Need
A lack of something desirable or essential.
There is a need for more volunteers.
Need
A condition requiring relief or supply.
The city has a need for clean water.
FAQs
Is "Needs" always a verb?
No, "Needs" can be the third person singular form of the verb "need" or the plural form of the noun "need".
Is "Needs" the plural form of "Need" when used as a noun?
Yes, "Needs" denotes multiple requirements or necessities.
Are "Need" and "Needs" interchangeable?
No, "Need" and "Needs" differ in grammatical usage, particularly in subject-verb agreement.
Can I say "She need to go"?
No, the correct form is "She needs to go" because "she" is a third person singular subject.
Can "Need" act as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, "Need" can be a noun (a requirement) or a verb (to require).
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
