needless to add

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'needless to add' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that something is obvious or clear, so it can be used in various different contexts. For example, "John had an impressive resume, needless to add, he was offered the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Needless to add, Branson was on board.

Independent

Needless to add, Gingrich wins if this method is adopted.

The New York Times

The army's logistical support, needless to add, is superb.

The Economist

Keown, needless to add, was not among them.

Independent

Needless to add, he has occasionally asserted the exact opposite.

The Guardian

Needless to add, this required a high-maintenance kitchen, with prices set accordingly.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

PHOTOS: Unexpected musical collaborations Cumberbatch, needless to say, added nothing to the line.

Los Angeles Times

Needless to say, adding a bat or two at the July 31st trade deadline is a must for the Mets.

Huffington Post

Reaching for a laser device which illustrates whether a flagstick is 128 or 182 yards away thereby makes no difference, other than to add needless delay.

The Guardian - Sport

Needless to say, Mail Online picked up this nonsense to add to its growing archive of anti-Corbyn material.

The Guardian

"Needless to say," she adds, "his expertise, enthusiasm, and exceptional generosity to those who are needy has been very much appreciated by the community in which he now lives".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "needless to add" sparingly to avoid sounding condescending or patronizing. It's most effective when the information truly is obvious to the intended audience.

Common error

Avoid using "needless to add" when the information isn't actually obvious to your audience. Overuse can make your writing seem arrogant or unclear. Ask yourself if the statement truly adds nothing new before including the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "needless to add" functions as a parenthetical element. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to signal that the information being presented is self-evident or follows logically from what has already been stated. It serves to emphasize a point that the writer assumes is obvious to the reader.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

21%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needless to add" is a common phrase used to indicate that a statement is self-evident, often appearing in News & Media, Academic, and Scientific contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's a neutral phrase used to reinforce ideas by highlighting their obviousness, but should be used judiciously to avoid condescension. Related phrases include "it goes without saying" and "obviously", offering similar ways to express something self-evident. Remember to avoid overusing the phrase, ensuring the information is truly obvious to your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it goes without saying

Emphasizes that the point is so obvious it doesn't require explicit statement.

obviously

A direct adverb indicating something is easily perceived or understood.

of course

Expresses that something is a natural or expected consequence.

it should be noted

Highlights that information is worth mentioning, even if somewhat evident.

as you might expect

Implies that the listener or reader would anticipate the stated outcome.

as is to be expected

Similar to 'as you might expect', but slightly more formal.

surely

Suggests a strong expectation or confidence in the truth of the statement.

undoubtedly

Indicates that something is certain and beyond question.

self-evidently

Highlights that something is clear and obvious without need for proof.

it stands to reason

Conveys that something is logical and follows naturally from what precedes it.

FAQs

How can I use "needless to add" in a sentence?

You can use "needless to add" to emphasize an obvious point. For example, "The company's profits increased significantly this year; "needless to add", employees will receive bonuses."

What are some alternatives to "needless to add"?

Alternatives include "obviously", "of course", and "it goes without saying". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it ever incorrect to use "needless to add"?

Yes, it's incorrect to use "needless to add" if the information isn't actually self-evident to your audience, or if it makes your writing sound condescending.

What's the difference between "needless to add" and "needless to say"?

While both are used to indicate something is obvious, "needless to add" is specifically used when adding further information, whereas "needless to say" is a more general introductory phrase.