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Hanndan Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

verb tense

I'm studying CELTA and trying to find out the verb tense for " He needn't have washed the car.

I've been told it's not present perfect, but I can't seem to think why not. I know that need functions as a semi mondal aux. here, and so have doesn't take the 3rd person case. It's just getting it into any tense apart from present perfect seems to be illogical...
  

Top answer

Hanndan He needn't have washed the car. He needn't have washed the car. When need is followed by not, it is not necessary to change need to needed.

— Tamguatlay

  • Hanndan He needn't have washed the car.
  • He needn't have washed the car.
  • When need is followed by not, it is not necessary to change need to needed.
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1 Answers
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HanndanHe needn't have washed the car.
He needn't have washed the car.

When need is followed by not, it is not necessary to change need to needed.
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