“Needless to Say” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 15, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Needless to say” is an idiomatic phrase you might often encounter in reading and writing. In this reference, you’ll explore the meaning of this expression and discover examples that demonstrate its use in everyday conversations. Alternative phrases are also shared to help you convey the same idea without repetition. By the end, you’ll have a clearer grasp of how to use “needless to say” effectively.

Needless To Say Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Needless to say” is a phrase used to indicate that something is so obvious or self-evident that it doesn’t really need to be stated, but is being mentioned for emphasis or clarification. It’s often used when the speaker wants to highlight a point that is already clear or expected.
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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.

Usage of “Needless To Say”

Example 1: Daily Conversation

  • Context: Talking about the weather and plans.
    • “It was 40°C outside, so needless to say, we stayed indoors the whole day.”

Example 2: Formal Writing

  • Context: A business email about project deadlines.
    • “Needless to say, meeting the project deadline is crucial for the success of our upcoming launch.”

Example 3: Storytelling

  • Context: Explaining a sequence of events.
    • “He forgot his umbrella, and needless to say, he got completely soaked in the rain.”

Example 4: Professional Setting

  • Context: Addressing a team at work.
    • “Needless to say, your hard work and dedication are deeply appreciated by the entire management team.”

Example 5: Personal Experience

  • Context: Talking about a recent trip.
    • “We arrived at the hotel after a 10-hour flight, and needless to say, we were exhausted.”

In each case, “needless to say” introduces something that the listener or reader likely already understands, but is mentioned to reinforce or emphasize the point.

Related Terms to “Needless To Say”

  • Obviously – Used when something is clear or evident without needing explanation.
  • It goes without saying – Indicates that something is so clear it doesn’t need to be said, but it’s mentioned for emphasis.
  • Of course – Used when something is expected or natural, without question.
  • As expected – Highlights that something occurred as anticipated.
  • Naturally – Suggests that something happens or is assumed in a natural or expected way.
  • Self-evident – Refers to something that is obvious and doesn’t need to be explained.
  • Clearly – Used when the conclusion is straightforward and undeniable.
  • Unsurprisingly – Indicates that something happened as one might have predicted.

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” 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.
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