needn’t have and didn’t need to
needn’t have done, didn’t need to, be bound to, might well
The rules
- You bought it, but it was not necessary: "needn’t have bought".
- "didn’t need to" usually means the action did not happen.
- "be bound to" + verb means it is certain to happen.
- "might well" means it is quite likely.
- Form: needn’t have + past participle.
- needn’t have + past participle ("come").
Examples
- I needn’t have bought milk: there were two bottles in the fridge.
- I did not take one, because it was not necessary.
- With so many fans, the tickets are bound to sell out.
- Ask her. She might well agree; she was keen last time.
- You needn’t have worried.
- You needn’t have come so early.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.I _____ bought milk: there were two bottles in the fridge.
2.“I didn’t need to take a taxi.” What most likely happened?
3.With so many fans, the tickets are _____ sell out.
4.Ask her. She _____ agree; she was keen last time.
5.Which sentence is correct?