"Sam Spade" wrote in message ...
Steven P. McNicoll wrote:

"We need to declare an emergency," a pilot radioed air traffic control. "We
got a low fuel situation. We're not sure if it's a fuel leak or what, but we
need to get on the ground, right away, please."


I still think the imperative has to be stated, rather than what can be
taken as future intent.

No part of "need" sounds wishy-washy to me.
According to the quote above, the pilot *twice* said "need".