Step 1: Determine the verb form required after the subject “I” in the given sentence. Since the context refers to the present, the verb must be in the present tense and agree correctly with the subject.
Step 2: The verb “need” is a stative verb, which expresses a state rather than an action. Stative verbs are generally not used in the progressive (–ing) form, especially when they refer to mental states, possession, or necessity.
Step 3: Evaluate each option:
- (A) — uses an incorrect singular form with the subject “I” → wrong.
- (B) — is in the past tense, which does not fit the present context → wrong.
- (C) — uses the simple present form “need,” which correctly agrees with the subject and respects the stative nature of the verb → correct.
- (D) — uses the progressive form with a stative verb, which is grammatically inappropriate → incorrect.