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Guest Posted 23 years ago
Grammar

Didn't, needn't (Guest:Vincent)

What is the difference between:

He didn't need to go to the meeting

and

He need'nt have gone to the meeting
  

Top answer

He didn't need to go to the meeting means it was not necessary for him to attend so he did not go. He needn't have gone to the meeting means he went to the meeting but it was pointless him being there so he should not have go. In other words the second is said after the fact.

— Tam

  • He didn't need to go to the meeting means it was not necessary for him to attend so he did not go.
  • He needn't have gone to the meeting means he went to the meeting but it was pointless him being there so he should not have go.
  • In other words the second is said after the fact.
  • Hope that helps!
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5 Answers
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He didn't need to go to the meeting means it was not necessary for him to attend so he did not go.

He needn't have gone to the meeting means he went to the meeting but it was pointless him being there so he should not have go.

In other words the second is said after the fact. Hope that helps!
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Or let's say, both sentences say that it was not necessary for him to go to the meeting, but with "didn't need," he either went or not; it was uncertain. However, with "needn't have gone," it is certain that he went to the meeting. Be aware though, that if you use proper grammar, you shouldn't have used "needn't" because if you remove the contraction it would be "need not," wherein it's supposed
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0 I think it is short for 'he need not have... 0-
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0Tom and Nona the brit, both are correct as per my understanding. 02br
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00Kris38 0-
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