[Grammar] INFINITIVE COMPLEMENTS: NEED

[DimebagLara]

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]

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

ps - right has no 'w' ...

 

[bhaisahab]

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]

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]

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]

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