Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[Yukineko]

Hello teachers. Could you help me?

In my textbook
"Anyone who doubts that children are born with a healthy amount of ambition need spend only a few minutes with a baby eagerly learning to walk or a headstrong toddler starting to talk."

I can't understand how "need spend" works in this context.
I believe "need + do" can be used only in the question or negative sentence, such as "Need I come with you?" "No, you needn't."
So it should be "need to spend"
What do you think about that?
Do you feel the sentence above is awkward?
Or is it ok if you use "need do" in the affirmative sentence like that?

Thank you for your help.
Yukineko

[jerseyjoe]

Hi Yukineko, you must be an advanced student to see this form in class. Yes this form is correct. You can also use need to spend or only need spend or need only spend. This sentence is fine. I believe to show emphasis on spend is what the author was trying to accomplish. Remember in English we like the shorter version with all the complete info. Just remember always take the easier way so you have less of an opportunity to make a mistake. Good luck. I hope this helps.
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[Yukineko]

Hi, Jerseyjoe.

Thank you for answering my question.
I really appreaciate your detailed explanation!

Yukineko