needless to say

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "needless to say" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a statement that is obvious or already understood by the audience. Example: "Needless to say, we all agreed that the project was a success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

* "Needless to say.

Independent

Needless to say, Norwegians disagree.

The Economist

(Also, needless to say, cook).

The New York Times

Needless to say, he failed.

The New York Times

Needless to say, recipes abound.

The New Yorker

Needless to say, I did.

The New York Times

Needless to say, they weren't.

The New Yorker

Needless to say, it wasn't.

The New Yorker

needless to say, you didn't.

The New York Times

Needless to say, these demands were ignored.

The Economist

"Needless to say, we were bankrupt".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and audience. If the information is genuinely obvious to your audience, "needless to say" can be effective. However, if there's a chance they might not know, it's better to state the information directly.

Common error

Avoid using "needless to say" to introduce a point that is actually surprising or requires further explanation. This can create a jarring effect and confuse the reader.

How to use

Learn how to use "needless to say" with practical examples and tips.

How to use

Linguistic Context

"Needless to say" functions as a sentence adverbial, modifying the entire sentence and indicating that the speaker or writer considers the following statement to be self-evident or obvious. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is considered correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "needless to say" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that signals obviousness or shared understanding. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While it's prevalent in contexts like news and media, remember to use it sparingly to avoid condescension. Consider alternatives such as "it goes without saying" or "obviously" to vary your writing. Overusing "needless to say" when the point is not actually obvious is a common pitfall.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it goes without saying

This alternative is a direct synonym, implying that the statement is so obvious it doesn't require explicit expression.

obviously

This alternative is a shorter, more direct way to indicate that something is clear and evident.

of course

This expresses that the statement is a natural or expected consequence.

naturally

Similar to 'of course', this emphasizes the inherent or logical nature of the statement.

it's a given

This phrase emphasizes the unquestionable or assumed nature of the following statement.

undoubtedly

This alternative stresses the certainty of the assertion.

as you might expect

This alternative subtly suggests that the listener would anticipate the stated outcome.

it should be noted

This is slightly more formal, drawing attention to a point that the speaker considers important but perhaps not universally known.

it stands to reason

This emphasizes the logical inevitability of the statement.

to be expected

Highlights that the statement reflects something predictable based on the current context.

FAQs

What does "needless to say" mean?

The phrase "needless to say" introduces a statement that is considered obvious or already understood by the listener or reader. It signals that the speaker or writer believes the statement is self-evident.

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

You can use "needless to say" at the beginning of a sentence to preface an obvious point. For example: "Needless to say, the team was disappointed after the loss."

What are some alternatives to "needless to say"?

Alternatives to "needless to say" include "it goes without saying", "obviously", "of course", or "naturally", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "needless to say" formal or informal?

The phrase "needless to say" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, overuse can make your writing sound condescending, so use it judiciously.