Need help with verb tense

Which of the following sentenses has the correct grammer ?

1. "Sorry, I did not know you NEED the chair. I have given it away"
2. "Sorry, I did not know you NEEDED the chair. I have given it away"

For the verb "NEED", should it be past tense or present tense and why.

Thanks,
chibe

[2006]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Which of the following sentenses has the correct grammer ?

1. "Sorry, I did not know you NEED the chair. I have given it away"
2. "Sorry, I did not know you NEEDED the chair. I have given it away"

For the verb "NEED", should it be past tense or present tense and why.

Both can be correct, but the meanings are different.
Of course, "need" suggests that you still need it; so I should (try to) get it back for you.

"needed" suggests that perhaps you don't need it anymore, or maybe you still need it but getting it back is impossible now.
Thanks,
chibe

2006