'need be'

[wotcha]

First, it can be so disorganized that every activity of daily life because more difficult than need be. Second, your home itself can hurt you. Many of the threats to your health come from your own home.


I've heard about 'If need be ~ ', but I'm not sure about 'need be' from the above sentence. Does it mean should be or just a typo?

Is this expression in common even in informal language?

[J&K Tutoring]

First, it can be so disorganized that every activity of daily life because becomes more difficult than need be. Second, your home itself can hurt you. Many of the threats to your health come from your own home.


I've heard about 'If need be ~ ', but I'm not sure about 'need be' from the above sentence. Does it mean should be or just a typo? It has the same meaning as should be.

Is this expression in common even in informal language?

Not especially common in NA spoken English.