avoir besoin de

Question

The lesson states:To express to need + [noun], you will use :avoir besoin de/d' + (article) + nounThe examples cited show the use of the indefinite article but none include the definite article and it could be implied that the definite article is never used after  avoir besoin de/d' which is obviously wrong. It is the old problem of the specific vs the general. Since this is a perrenial problem for French learners, it might be an idea to spell it out more explictly in the lesson.Tom

Answer

Hi Tom! I have the same question. Can you explain when an article is not needed?

Answer

Hi Emily,All I was getting at was that the lesson did not give any examples using the definite article. e.g.J'ai besoin d'un crayon  - I need a pencil (any pencil)J'ai besoin du crayon que tu m'as prêté, hier - I need the pencil (specific) you lent me yesterday.J'ai besoin de soutien - I need support (general)J'ai besoin du soutien du gouvernement - I need government support (specific)Hope this helps,Tom