Needn't vs No need to - English In A Minute

What’s the difference between ‘needn’t’ and ‘don’t need to’? Let Sam explain and then try the quiz!

Match the sentence with what it means:
1. I didn’t need to get to work at 8. I didn’t have any meetings.
2. I needn’t have got to work at 8. The meeting was cancelled.

a. I knew it wasn’t necessary to get to work at 8.
b. I didn’t know it wasn’t necessary to get to work at 8.

Visit our website for the transcript, a summary and more quizzes:

Please use English when you comment.
#learnenglish #bbclearningenglish #onlineenglish #englishinaminute #grammar

[bbclearningenglish]

Hi everyone. The correct answers are: 1 a; 2 b.
When using ‘didn’t need to [+ base verb]’, we mean that we knew there was no need to do something in the past.

When using ‘needn’t have [+ past participle]’, we mean we didn’t know there was no need to do something in the past. We know now, but we didn’t know in the past.

[TheperfectfrenchwithDylane]

I have never heard needn't but this is great to know 🙂

[ph]

Thanks for the video! I didn't know about this. Quiz: 1a, b2. For example, I needn't have learned so much. I had passed my French exam. I didn't need to go to the hospital. I hadn't had a coronavirus.

[yoshida]

Sam, there is a kind of warmth in your voice which I like.Love from Mumbai, India.

[prashantsolanki]

Always been my voice kindness smile everything just everything

[marjanp]

WOW!!! I really didn't know the difference... this is very useful, thank you...

[shoiraradjabova]

It was useful and clearly. Thank you very much.

[andersonrossi]

Fast, comprehensive and effective explanation. Show!!!

[francescopalma]

You made it simple. I understood it well. :)

[soniamahey]

I don't need worry about learning English, because BBC Learning English is making everything easy for me 😊

[learnenglishvocabulary]

Good evening, BBC Learning English. this is a beautifully mysterious video. thank. :)

[josephpino]

I believe that in the second set of sentences the difference lies in the use of the past perfect vs past simple in the second period, not in the didn't need/needn't use. For example, I think I could say, 'he needn't have worried about the exam because he had already passed. I might be wrong though.

[soniamahey]

I needn't worry about the my vocabulary, I have learnt lots.

[toughenough]

👌 Thank you
عيد فطر سعيد أحبائي 💫
تقبل الله منا ومنكم 🌟✨

[samsong]

thank you .
Sorry, i have a question.
0:42
Sam says neednt to worry.
but on the screen it was (neednt have worry).

what is the difference between these sentences?

Thank you for replying.

[mly]

How about “He doesn’t(or didn’t) need to have worried about the exam.” ? Is this correct and have the same meaning as example 2?

[papo]

Ive got a question regarding the examples of the guy worried about the exam. You mentioned in the second example "needn't to worry about the examn". I thouhgt that when we use need as a modal verb, it is required a bare infinitive after it. So, instead saying "he needn't to worry", it would've been "he neednt have worried" as the written examples says. Right? Or is it possible to say neednt to worry?

[samraaslam]

I am also Sam ...you guys really good..

[amyennhi]

it's really nice .thank you so much😘😘

[LanguisticSchool]

Another wonderful video. Thanks for being an inspiration to me!!!