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Fri Feb 22, 2008 10:32 am What's the difference between needful and necessary? |
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Hi,
Both adjectives indicate what is required or needed. I would suggest that 'needful' is somewhat oldfashioned and wouldn't usually be used in contemporary English.
Alan _________________ English as a Second Language You can read my ESL story Only Three Letters |
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Alan Co-founder

Joined: 27 Sep 2003 Posts: 6919 Location: UK
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Sun Feb 24, 2008 5:28 am What's the difference between needful and necessary? |
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. Needful also seems to be a noticeable signature of Indian English.
"Do the needful" is a phrase which means "do that which is necessary", and carries the respectful implication that you trust the other party to understand what needs doing without being given detailed instruction. It is commonly used in India and widely attributed as an Indianism, but the phrase may have its origins in British English instead, according to the Universal Dictionary of the English Language of 1932. . _________________ Canadian-American native speaker who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber |
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Mister Micawber Moderator

Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 3779 Location: Yokohama, Japan
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nessie I'm here quite often ;-)
Joined: 16 Feb 2008 Posts: 813
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Sun Feb 24, 2008 7:00 am What's the difference between needful and necessary? |
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. In the phrase 'a necessary fact of life', necessary means 'happening or existing inevitably'-- it is a matter of fate. Your other words do not fit that definition. . _________________ Canadian-American native speaker who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber |
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Mister Micawber Moderator

Joined: 17 Jul 2005 Posts: 3779 Location: Yokohama, Japan
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