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

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Guest

#1303 Wed, 25 Jun 03 04:50 PM

What is the difference between:

He didn't need to go to the meeting

and

He need'nt have gone to the meeting

Guest

Difference Between

tam

#1304 Wed, 25 Jun 03 05:39 PM

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!

tam

Joined on Fri, Mar 21 2003

Junior Member (53)

Jacko

#1342 Thu, 26 Jun 03 04:52 AM

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 to be "needed not."