need/needed

[idiotmike]

Dear teachers,

In the sentence below, is it correct grammar? do I use "need" or "needed" in the sentence?

"I was trying to ask if the date stated in the paragraph needed to be modified."

Thank you.

[5jj]

It could be 'needed to be', 'needs to be' or 'need be'. In the third of these, 'need' functions as a modal.

[Tdol]

Has the date been modified?

[idiotmike]

it hasn't, I was going to ask the other party if the date needed to be modified. Thank you.

[Tdol]

OK- if you're trying to attract their attention to ask, then I would use needs.