need not be?

[thomas615]

could you please provide me with your report next week. It need not be comprehensive.

the writer is using "need" and not "needs". Does this go for any sentence using "need"

[Verona_82]

Hi!
*not a teacher*
Here 'need' is a modal verb, therefore it doesn't take the -s ending.

As a modal verb, 'need' is common in questions and negative sentences. In affirmatives, 'need' acts as a normal verb and takes the -s ending.

She needs to go to the bank to change some cash.

[Bamako7]

And as such, it does not invoke an(other) auxiliary, "do".

[5jj]

And as such, it does not invoke an(other) auxiliary, "do".

Thomas, Bamako was here referring to 'need' used as a modal verb. When used as a full verb (as in Verona's example), 'need' uses auxiliary DO for negative and interrogative forms.

Modal:
It needn't be comprehensive.

Full Verb:
It needs to be comprehensive.
It doesn't need to be comprehensive.

[The Dude]

Also 'It does need to be comprehensive', for when greater emphasis is required.

[allenman]

I would have said that this is the subjunctive and not a "modal" form of "to need".

I believe only a certain few verbs in English have a modal form -- and this is not one. However, I'm willing to listen if someone can prove that the subjunctive is not the proper usage here. :)

Not a teacher

[5jj]

I would have said that this is the subjunctive and not a "modal" form of "to need".

The modal need is used in situations in which the indicative mood, not the subjunctive, is required.

Indicative: Full verbs:
He does not work. He does not need to work.

Modals:
He need not work. He must not work.

Subjunctive.
It is important that he work. I recommmended that he work in another office.