ViceidolHi, I know that
auxiliary verb "need" cannot be used in affirmative statements, but how about this one? Is this correct?
You need only see her.
Hi,
Let me quote Swann (
Practical English Usage, 3
rd ed., § 366.2):
Need can also have the same present-tense forms as modal auxiliary verbs ... In this case, need is normally followed by an infinitive without to.
She needn't reserve a seat - there'll be plenty of room.
These forms are used mainly in negative sentences (needn't), but they are also possible in questions, after if and in other 'non-affirmative' structures.
You needn't fill in a form.
Need I fill in a form?
I wonder if I need fill in a form.
This is the only form you need fill in. (BUT NOT You need fill in a form.)
If we follow Swann, we can use
need as a modal verb in an affirmative sentence when a 'non-affirmative' word (such as
only, hardly, seldom etc.) gives the sentence a negative kind of meaning. Look at Swann's last example: the sentence becomes incorrect when
only is removed.
That said, please notice this usage is mainly British.