It’s a use of the subjunctive.
From: Assembly for the
Teaching of English Grammar [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jane
Saral
Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2010 8:33 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: if need be
I just wrote a sentence to a parent whose child may not be
able to come to our tutoring appointment: "We'll find another time
if need be."
What is this construction?
Jane Saral
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