「need」の使い方, part 3

I've got to be honest with you all. Sometimes we do use "need" with an object as the subject:

1. That device needs a new battery.
2. = The battery in that device needs replacing.
3. = I (or someone else) need(s) to replace the battery in that device.
4. = The battery in that device needs to be replaced.

This is where it gets a bit tricky, which is why I recommended that you use pattern 3 rather than the other two. I want to give you a safe pattern that you can use with less fear of making mistakes. You need reliable patterns so that you can speak with confidence. If you use pattern 3, you are less likely to make a strange sentence. Please use that one!

• reliable【形】 信頼［信用］できる、信頼性のある、頼り［当て］になる［できる］、頼りがいのある (definition from Eijiro on the Web)

Pattern 4 is also a good choice. Notice that the passive is used in the infinitive, not with "need".

× The battery in that device is needed to replace.

One more passive way to say it is:

• Replacement of the battery in that device is needed. <- and="" formal="" i="" it...="" li="" never="" say="" sounds="" this="" would="">

I saw these flowers growing in a planter outside my building the other day. I think Tokyo needs more flowers like this. In other words, flowers like these are needed by people living in Tokyo. Such flowers need to be planted everywhere!

If your English needs work, please get in touch!