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Raen Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

"if needs be"

Is that a correct phrase? if so, am I using it correctly in this sentence:

"Each group will explain and justify its decision while other groups challenge it, if needs be."

I'm not sure about the sentence as whole either. Does the tone of the last phrase agree with the rest of the sentence?
  

Top answer

Raen Is that a correct phrase? Some people do use "if needs be"; others use "if need be". Both seem a bit stuffy in today's world.

— CalifJim

  • Raen Is that a correct phrase?
  • Some people do use "if needs be"; others use "if need be".
  • Both seem a bit stuffy in today's world.
  • I use "if necessary".
  • CJ
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5 Answers
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RaenIs that a correct phrase?
Some people do use "if needs be"; others use "if need be". Both seem a bit stuffy in today's world. I use "if necessary".

CJ
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Thanks, Clive. I will gladly take your suggestion. I think it fits better in the sentence. Thank you.
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RaenThanks, Clive. I will gladly take your suggestion.
Great. But I'm not Clive. Emotion: sad

CJ
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I meant CJ. I am so very sorry. Very sorry. I'm multi-tasking now, which I'm known to be not very good at.
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Raennot very good at
Ah, well. Nobody is. Don't feel like the Lone Ranger. Emotion: smile

CJ
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