He needn't be there.

Status
Not open for further replies.
V

Vladv1

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2024
Member Type
Student or Learner
Native Language
Russian
Home Country
Russian Federation
Current Location
Russian Federation
Can the verb "need" be used epistemically? A. He is there, I am sure. B. He needn't be there (meaning it is not a fact that he is there) he might be somewhere else.
 
Yes, that is possible.
 
We needn't interpret the sentence that way.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Similar threads

S
He needn't have lost her vs. He didn't need to lose her
Replies
4
Views
802
5jj
5jj
E
  • Locked
It's OK - you needn't pay for that phone call.
2
Replies
37
Views
3K
Tarheel
T
S
  • Locked
There was plenty of time. She needn't/couldn't have hurried.
Replies
1
Views
1K
jutfrank
jutfrank
N
  • Locked
The accident needn't have happened if only Tom had got his lights repaired.
Replies
1
Views
916
jutfrank
jutfrank
A
  • Locked
Do we change needn't in reported speech?
Replies
3
Views
1K
Tdol
T

Ask a Teacher

If you have a question about the English language and would like to ask one of our many English teachers and language experts, please click the button below to let us know:

(Requires Registration)

Share this page

Back
Top