“Needless to say” may be an idiomatic phrase that you come across often in reading and writing. If you have ever been stuck trying to figure out this phrase, you have ventured to the correct place. In this article, you will find the meaning of this phrase and some information about its origin if any exists. You will also find some example sentences and conversations that you can study to learn and understand how the phrase is used properly as a part of everyday conversation. Lastly, there will be some suggestions provided as alternative words or phrases to use in place of the original phrase to convey the same meaning.
Needless To Say
Needless To Say Meaning
The idiomatic phrase “needless to say” means that you are probably stating something that is already obvious or doesn’t need to be said because it should already be understood. In other words, it is something you don’t need to say, but you say it anyway for emphasis to ensure something is absolutely understood.
Origin of this idiomatic phrase
The idiom “needless to say” was first used in the 16th century. The phrase came about from the phrase “needlesse to speke,” which was the phrase used during this time to relate the same meaning stated above.
“Needless To Say” Examples
Example Conversations
A conversation between two friends on the phone.
- Friend 1: I can’t believe how tired I am. I went to bed way too late last night.
- Friend 2: Why were you up so late?
- Friend 1: Well I had cheerleading practice after school, then had tons of homework to do. Needless to say, I am exhausted and going to bed early tonight.
A conversation between two co-workers in the office.
- Co-worker 1: I heard Kevin got pulled for a random drug test today and failed.
- Co-worker 2: I had heard the same thing. I can’t believe Kevin would do drugs though. He seems so straight-laced.
- Co-worker 1: Well, needless to say, he is going to get fired over it.
Example Sentences
- I am so ill! Needless to say, my head is so foggy there is no way I am going to complete all this work.
- After the elevator malfunctioned and plummeted 20 stories to the lobby, it is needless to say that Karen always takes the stairs now.
- Needless to say, any contributions of money will be gratefully received.
- All this, needless to say, had been culled second-hand from radio reports.
- Needless to say, she was not in the chorus as she had legs like inverted beer bottles.
- Needless to say, he’ll be off work for a while.
- Needless to say, I wasn’t asked for a repeat performance!
- He got home from the party the next morning. Needless to say, his parents were furious.
- The black polish, needless to say, was still in the bag.
- Janice, needless to say, was quite unaware of her presence.
- The armed robber, needless to say, did not stay around to be sued.
Alternatives to “Needless To Say”
There are many alternatives you can use as a substitute for the phrase “needless to say” to convey the same meaning. Some of these alternatives include:
- It probably goes without saying
- Obviously
- Suffice to say
- Clearly
- It is clear that
- Needless to mention
Needless To Say Meaning | Picture
