[Grammar] INFINITIVE COMPLEMENTS: NEED

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DimebagLara

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HI Everyone,
I need some help to explain to my students the correct use (meaning) of NEED when followed by an infinitive complement.

For example in the following sentence:

Sarah needed Peter to write a letter to the mayor.

Does this sentence has 2 meanings???
1. She needed the help of Peter in order to write a letter to the mayor. (they write the letter together)
2. She wanted him to write a letter for her. (peter writes the letter....imperative???)

And if both meanings are wright.....the passive form of the 2 sentences is it different?
1. Peter was needed by Sarah to write a letter
2.Sarah needed a letter to be written by Peter....

.....so confused :shock:
 

waflob

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To be honest, it looks as if you have it sorted. Where is the confusion for you?

ps - right has no 'w' ...
 

bhaisahab

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HI Everyone,
I need some help to explain to my students the correct use (meaning) of NEED when followed by an infinitive complement.

For example in the following sentence:

Sarah needed Peter to write a letter to the mayor.

Does this sentence has 2 meanings???
1. She needed the help of Peter in order to write a letter to the mayor. (they write the letter together)
2. She wanted him to write a letter for her. (peter writes the letter....imperative???)

And if both meanings are wright.....the passive form of the 2 sentences is it different?
1. Peter was needed by Sarah to write a letter
2.Sarah needed a letter to be written by Peter....

.....so confused :shock:
1. Peter was needed by Sarah to write a letter
2.Sarah needed a letter to be written by Peter....
No native speaker would write or say the above, nor would they, IMO, try to put your original sentences into passive voice.
 

Raymott

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HI Everyone,
I need some help to explain to my students the correct use (meaning) of NEED when followed by an infinitive complement.

For example in the following sentence:

Sarah needed Peter to write a letter to the mayor.

Does this sentence has 2 meanings???
1. She needed the help of Peter in order to write a letter to the mayor. (they write the letter together)
2. She wanted him to write a letter for her. (peter writes the letter....imperative???)

And if both meanings are wright.....the passive form of the 2 sentences is it different?
1. Peter was needed by Sarah to write a letter
2.Sarah needed a letter to be written by Peter....

.....so confused :shock:
No, that sentence really only means 2. If you meant 1. you'd write:
"Sarah needed Peter to help her write a letter to the mayor."
 

DimebagLara

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Ok my doubts were about the real meaning of the verb (need) used in that way....But I've got it now thanks for your help.

yep....I know that right has no "w".....my fault I never go over what i write :/
 

DimebagLara

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Thanks Raymott....you gave me the answer I needed!!! :)
 
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