Expression: You needn’t have bothered

[FrankU]

What is the correct response to the following statement?

I would have come if I could have.

A: Would you?
B: You needn’t have bothered.

I think only A is correct or would B work too?
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[Alan]

Hi FrankU,

The two answers to your question have different meanings. Would you is a comment that doesn't indicate any direction. You needn't have bothered is a statement meaning: I don't think that was necessary..

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story A Rhapsody of Words