Needless to say
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use it to highlight an obvious result or fact while keeping your tone smooth and professional.
En 15 segundos
- Used to introduce information that is already expected or obvious.
- Common in both professional writing and casual storytelling.
- Functions as a smooth transition between two logical ideas.
Significado
You use this phrase when you are about to say something so obvious that everyone already knows it, but you want to mention it anyway to emphasize your point.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Talking about a rainy day
It poured all morning; needless to say, the picnic was canceled.
It rained all morning; obviously, the picnic was canceled.
In a business meeting
Needless to say, we must stay within the allocated budget.
It goes without saying that we must keep to the budget.
Texting a friend about a late night
I stayed up until 4 AM. Needless to say, I'm on my fifth coffee.
I was up until 4 AM. Obviously, I'm drinking a lot of coffee.
Contexto cultural
This expression reflects the English cultural preference for understatement and shared logic. It is a rhetorical device that builds rapport by assuming the listener is already 'in the loop' and agrees with the speaker's conclusion.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `Needless to say` when it starts a sentence. It gives your listener a second to prepare for the 'obvious' part.
Don't Be Sarcastic
Be careful with your tone. If you say it too sharply, it can sound like you are calling the other person slow or unintelligent.
En 15 segundos
- Used to introduce information that is already expected or obvious.
- Common in both professional writing and casual storytelling.
- Functions as a smooth transition between two logical ideas.
What It Means
Needless to say is a classic English phrase. It means the next thing you say is totally obvious. Everyone already knows it. You are just confirming what they are thinking. It’s like saying, "Of course!" or "Obviously." But it sounds a bit more polished and smooth. It tells your listener that you both share the same common sense.
How To Use It
You usually put it at the start of a sentence. Follow it with a comma for a nice pause. Needless to say, the party was a total blast. You can also use it in the middle of a sentence. He was, needless to say, very disappointed with the news. It acts like a bridge between two ideas. It helps the flow of your story or argument. It’s like a verbal wink to your audience.
When To Use It
Use it when telling a story with a predictable ending. If you stayed up all night, you're tired. Needless to say, I’m exhausted today. It works great in work emails to show logical steps. Needless to say, we will need the budget approved first. It helps you sound confident and clear. It’s perfect for complaining about a bad situation that was bound to happen. Use it when you want to sound smart but relatable.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for actual surprises. If you won the lottery, don't say Needless to say, I won. That would sound very strange or arrogant! Avoid overusing it in very short conversations. It can sound a bit repetitive if used every minute. Keep it for the truly "obvious" moments. Don't use it if you think the other person might actually be confused.
Cultural Background
This phrase has been around for centuries. English speakers love using "litotes" or understatements. We say we don't need to say something, then we say it anyway. It’s a polite way to guide someone’s thoughts. It creates a sense of shared understanding between people. It says, "We are both smart enough to know this."
Common Variations
It goes without saying is the closest cousin. Obviously is a shorter, punchier version. Of course is the most common everyday alternative. It’s a given that... is a bit more formal. Clearly works well in professional writing too. As you might expect is another friendly variation.
Notas de uso
This phrase is highly versatile, sitting comfortably between neutral and formal registers. It is a 'safe' phrase for C1 learners to use in almost any context to improve their flow.
The Comma Rule
Always put a comma after `Needless to say` when it starts a sentence. It gives your listener a second to prepare for the 'obvious' part.
Don't Be Sarcastic
Be careful with your tone. If you say it too sharply, it can sound like you are calling the other person slow or unintelligent.
The British 'Obviously'
In the UK, people often use `Obviously` where Americans might use `Needless to say`. Both are great, but `Needless to say` feels slightly more sophisticated.
Ejemplos
6It poured all morning; needless to say, the picnic was canceled.
It rained all morning; obviously, the picnic was canceled.
Connects a cause (rain) to an obvious effect (cancellation).
Needless to say, we must stay within the allocated budget.
It goes without saying that we must keep to the budget.
Emphasizes a standard rule everyone should know.
I stayed up until 4 AM. Needless to say, I'm on my fifth coffee.
I was up until 4 AM. Obviously, I'm drinking a lot of coffee.
Uses humor to describe a predictable consequence.
I left the steak on the counter. Needless to say, the dog had a great dinner.
I left steak out. Of course, the dog ate it.
Creates a funny mental image of a predictable mistake.
Needless to say, I'll be there if you need anything at all.
Of course I will be there to help you.
Reinforces a deep commitment that the friend already expects.
It's a Spielberg film, so needless to say, the cinematography is amazing.
It's a Spielberg movie, so obviously the camera work is great.
Links a high-quality reputation to a specific result.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the best phrase to complete the logical sequence.
The car ran out of gas in the middle of the highway. ___, we were late for the wedding.
Running out of gas leads to being late, so the result is obvious and expected.
Which phrase fits best in a professional email about a project delay?
The servers were down all weekend. ___, the report will be delayed by one day.
This phrase professionally connects the cause of the delay to the inevitable result.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Formality Spectrum of 'Needless to say'
Used with friends when joking.
Needless to say, I'm broke.
Standard everyday storytelling.
Needless to say, we missed the bus.
Academic or professional contexts.
Needless to say, further research is required.
When to use 'Needless to say'
Work Emails
Needless to say, safety is our priority.
Telling Stories
Needless to say, I was embarrassed.
Complaining
Needless to say, the food was cold.
Setting Rules
Needless to say, no smoking is allowed.
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt means that what you are about to say is so clear and expected that it doesn't really require words, yet you say it for emphasis. For example: Needless to say, I'm happy.
Not at all! It works fine in texts, especially if you are being a bit dramatic or funny about a situation. Example: Needless to say, I'm never drinking tequila again.
It's very rare. It almost always appears at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence to introduce a thought.
Yes, the meaning is very similar. However, Needless to say is often used to connect two related facts, while Of course is often a standalone answer.
Only if your tone is rude. Usually, it sounds like you are inviting the listener to agree with your logic.
Using it for something that is actually a huge surprise. If you say Needless to say, aliens landed in my yard, people will be confused because that isn't obvious!
Yes, it is a very common 'discourse marker' in academic writing to show a logical conclusion. Example: Needless to say, the data supports the hypothesis.
They are almost identical. It goes without saying is slightly more formal and often used for general truths rather than specific personal stories.
Yes, when it starts a sentence, a comma is standard. Example: Needless to say, we were shocked.
It is used equally in both! It is a very standard part of the English language worldwide.
Frases relacionadas
It goes without saying
Used to say that something is so clearly true that it does not need to be mentioned.
Obviously
In a way that is easily perceived or understood; clearly.
As a matter of course
Something that is done as a natural or expected part of a process.
Self-evident
Not needing to be demonstrated or explained; obvious.
Comentarios (0)
Inicia Sesión para ComentarEmpieza a aprender idiomas gratis
Empieza Gratis