To do the needful

Question

Hi,I've never encountered this expression in the speech or writing of a native speaker.But I frequently hear "please do the needful" in these forums.Would someone please tell me something about it's history, or in exactly which cultures it's used?Thanks much.  - A.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

please see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Do_the_needful

Avangi · Answer

Thanks, Anon.

V S Rao · Answer

Dear Avangi,

This expression is widely used by the people in India when addressing the government authorities or government officials to get the things done. This expression is the indication of pleasing manners.

Please do the needful = You are requested to solve this issue duly using your discretion power.

You cannot see this expression either in the public sector or in private sector offices in India.

Regards,

Sri

Avangi · Answer

Thanks, sri. I'm glad to get this issue behind me. My instinct has been to take it as a sarcasm - as, "Hey, shape up and do what you're supposed to do. Why haven't you done it already? What's the matter with you? You know what needs to be done!"

I can't really say that I like the expression.

I was surprised to read in Anon's Wiki reference that the expression had been used in the US and GB well into the 20th century. I suppose that could mean the 20's.

vsraoYou are requested to solve this issue duly using your discretion

Would this include the option of doing nothing?

When we want someone to use his discretion, we say, "Do what you think is appropriate," or "Do what you think is necessary." I think that is undestood to include doing nothing.

vsraoYou cannot see this expression either in the public sector or in private sector offices in India.

I'm not sure how to interpret this statement.

Many thanks,

- A.

CalifJim · Answer

This ancient thread has a pretty good discussion of this phrase.

Required Modern Sentence

CJ

Avangi · Answer

CalifJim It seems to be a polite way of telling someone to get off their lazy derriere and do something useful!

Precisely the way I took it!

Do you understand the Asian responses as indicating that no such element is present?

Thanks, - A.

V S Rao · Answer

Dear Mr. Avangi,

AvangiWould this include the option of doing nothing?

How can we know that? The people use that expression even if they are writting the letter for the first-time to the higher authority. Generally, the letters are addressed directly to the higher government authority, and that letter reaches to the authority "through proper channel".

It is only a formality to use the phrase " please do the needful" which is the indication of pleasing manners, but not otherwise. It is very common in India. People are habituated to use such expression. I don't think that it is grammatically incorrect. Moreover, such expressions are introduced by the then British rulers ! Now, it has become a ridiculous phrase for the present generation either in UK or USA.

Yesterday, I too have gone through the internet, this phrase is described as an Indianism with possible roots in 18th Century British English. In the 21st Century, it is an example that cultural misunderstanding remains the greatest
barrier to business success.

There is nothing like Indian English that is different from British English , except for the usage of certain vocabulary variations like:
brinjal for aubergine ; curd for yoghurt ; do the needful ; kindly speak etc which are Indian in use but is correct English nevertheless. Indian English (English used in India) comprises of varieties of English in the Indian subcontinent evolved during the colonial rule of Britain in India.

AvangiI'm not sure how to interpret this statement.

Public Sector : Banks, Oil corporations, Municipal, and all the other government owned companies.

Private Sector: All the private entities.

_____________

I would like to give some more phrases used in India, and I request you to provide alternate ways of using those phrases either in AmE or BrE.

1. It has come to my attention that....,

2. I am pleased to inform you that...,

3. I have noticed that...,

4. I must inform you that..,

5. In spite of the fact that..,

6. Please favour us with prompt reply.

7. Should you require any clarification please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards,

Sri

Avangi · Answer

Hi, Sri,

Your list of seven are all common in AmE. I would not hesitate to use any one of them, but then, I'm 75 years old.

The only alteration I'd make is to #6, in which AmE would use "reply" as a countable - " . . . . with a prompt reply."

"Kindly speak to X" is also perfectly natural in AmE.

I don't think that either Jim or I intended to imply that we considered "Please do the needful" incorrect in any way.

It's clearly grammatical, and the dictionary definitions of the words therein do not conflict with the meaning. (So I would not say that it's necessary to classify it as an idiom.)

But it definitely carries some cultural baggage, if you know what I mean.

I'm still unclear on two points:

(1) Does the expression carry any element of criticism (as Jim and I both felt it might)? That is, is it a polite way to express "dissatisfaction" with the action taken on the matter thus far?

Or would you also use the expression to introduce a new consideration?

(2) If we said in AmE, "Please use your discretion in dealing with this matter," that discretion would include the option of doing nothing. That is, if the recipient felt the matter should be dropped, that would be fine with us.

Is this also true of "Please do the needful"?

Many thanks for your thoughtful help on this subject. - A.

CalifJim · Answer

AvangiDo you understand the Asian responses as indicating that no such element is present?

I do. I do.

CJ

V S Rao · Answer

Dear Mr. Avangi,

First of all I must change the courtesy title from Dear Mr. Avangi to Respected Mr. Avangi keeping in view your age. I hope that you would accept my courtesy title.

Avangi(1) Does the expression carry any element of criticism (as Jim and I both felt it might)? That is, is it a polite way to express "dissatisfaction" with the action taken on the matter thus far?

Well, it is only a polite way of addressing a higher authority without any dissatisfaction. This expression has no any other intangible meaning or any other double-meaning.

AvangiOr would you also use the expression to introduce a new consideration?

Yes.

Avangi(2) If we said in AmE, "Please use your discretion in dealing with this matter," that discretion would include the option of doing nothing. That is, if the recipient felt the matter should be dropped, that would be fine with us.
Is this also true of "Please do the needful"?

The discretion arises only at the time of observing the formalities to be required as per the rule in order to sort out the issue. If everything is fine as per the rule position then the question of "discretion" does not arise, but the expression " please do the needful" still remains in the final draft!

Thanks and regards,

Sri

To do the needful

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