NEED / IN NEED OF

NEED

The verb need is followed by the infinitive only if an animate being is the subject. If an animate object is the subject of this verb, the verb is followed by a gerund or the verb ‘be’ plus the past participle.

Animate being as subject + Verb in infinitive...

John and his brother need to paint the house.

My friend needs to learn Spanish.

Inanimate object as subject + verb+ing/to be + verb in past participle

The grass needs cutting. Or the grass needs to be cut.

The television needs repairing. Or the television needs to be repaired.

IN NEED OF

It is also possible to use the expression in need of in some cases instead of using need as a verb. Because need is not a verb in this case, it must be preceded by the verb be. Study the following rule:

Subject + be + in need of + noun...

James is in need of money.

The roof is in need of repaired.