"Need" in the future continuous form
"We're planning to open a new branch in Oxford. We'll be needing a new branch manager".
How to explain the usage of "need" in the Future Continuous form? The general rule is that state verbs don't take Continuous tense forms, and "need" seems to be a state verb...
Thanks!
Search from various English teachers...
Answers · 9
2
It could be either an auxiliary verb or an "ordinary" verb. He needs to go. He needn't it.
What's really tricky is the term "state verb", how in hell do people define it anyway! "I'm lovin' it". "I'm likin it". The "general" rule can't take care of exceptions can it?
According to this:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stative_verb
... Think is stative when it means "believe", but not when it means "consider". The following are not stative:
Quiet please, I am thinking.
But then, I guess the general rule is wrong about "I am thinking that..." :/
2
Some stative verbs can be used in the continuous especially if they describe states that are not permanent. For example " Do you like the film? Yes I'm loving it! Here the 'state' of love is temporary.
1
"The general rule is that state verbs don't take Continuous tense forms".
There is no such rule. Who told you so?
0
"need" is some bit tricky. it dont take usual form. eg.. She will need more baby.
Still haven’t found your answers?
Write down your questions and let the native speakers help you!
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn a language from the comfort of your own home. Browse our selection of experienced language tutors and enroll in your first lesson now!
Start Learning Today
