1a. He need never feel lonely.
1b. He need not feel lonely.
2a. I need hardly take his help.
2b. I need not take his help.
Are they all OK?
Does each pair mean the same?
Thanks.
1a. He need never feel lonely.
1b. He need not feel lonely.
Not the same meaning. The second does not have the perpetual timing of the first.
2a. I need hardly take his help.
2b. I need not take his help.
‘take’ is not the correct term here. I suggest ‘accept’.
I need hardly accept his help.
I need not accept his help.
Not the same meaning. The first indicates that you do require help to a certain degree.