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Pamela81 Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

I needn´t

Hi !

can I know the difference between:

I didn´t need

and

I needn´t

I can not find any difference in the meaning

Thanks

Pamela
  

Top answer

I don't need = I needn't I don't need is much more common. I'd advise using this one. I didn't need is the past of I don't need .

— CalifJim

  • I don't need = I needn't I don't need is much more common.
  • I'd advise using this one.
  • I didn't need is the past of I don't need .
  • There is no true past of I needn't , though you can approximate it with I needn't have .
  • I don't recommend using either I needn't or I needn't have .
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3 Answers
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I don't need = I needn't

I don't need is much more common. I'd advise using this one.

I didn't need is the past of I don't need. There is no true past of I needn't, though you can approximate it with I needn't have. I don't recommend using either I needn't or I needn't have.

I would use I don't need for th
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Hi Jim.

I think needn't have and didn't need are different and cannot be considered synonymous.

Needn't have describes an action which happened in the past but it was not necessary

Ex. I needn't have waited for him that long. (It means I waited for him.)

Didn't need just indicates that there was no need in the past.

Ex.
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hrsaneiI think needn't have and didn't need are different and cannot be considered synonymous.
Right. I answered too quickly and didn't explain in enough detail.

CJ
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