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5. Impossibility. In negative sentences or in sentences containing words with negative meaning the verb to
be to implies impossibility. In this case the passive form of the non-perfect infinitive is used, unless it is a
question beginning with the interrogative adverbs how, where.
They are not to be trusted.
Nothing was to be done under the circumstances.
He was nowhere to be found.
Where is the man to be found?
How am I to repay you for your kindness?
This meaning is similar to the meaning of can and may.
Here are some set expressions with the verb to be to:
What am I to do? Что мне делать? Как мне быть?
What is to become of me? Что со мною станется (будет)?
Where am I to go? Куда же мне деваться?
Need
§ 159. The modal verb need may be either a defective or a regular verb. As a defective verb need has only
one form and combines with a bare infinitive. In reported speech it remains unchanged. As a regular verb it has
the past indefinite form needed and regular negative and interrogative forms.
There is a slight difference in the usage of regular and irregular forms. The regular form is used mainly when
the following infinitive denotes habitual action. The defective form is more common when one particular
occasion is referred to:
Need I do it?
You needn’t do it just now.
The teacher said that we needn’t come.
Do I need to show my pass every time?
You don’t need to say it every time you see him.
Need I show you my pass now?
The defective form is mainly restricted to negative and interrogative sentences, whereas the regular verb can
be used in all types of sentences and is therefore more common.
Need expresses necessity. It is mainly used in questions and negative statements, where it is a replacement
for must or for have (got) to.
Do you need to work so hard (do you have to work so hard? Have you got to...).
It corresponds to the Russian нужно.
You needn’t do it now. Сейчас не нужно этого делать.
Need she come tomorrow? Ей нужно завтра приходить?
The negation is not always combined with the verb, but may be expressed by other parts of the sentence.
I don't think we need mention him at all.
I need hardly say that you are to blame.
In questions need is used when there is a strong element of negation or doubt or when the speaker expects a
negative answer.