no need to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

"no need to ask" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to politely indicate that someone does not need to take any further action. For example: "Given your qualifications, there's no need to ask any further questions. You are the perfect candidate for the job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

No need to ask.

The New York Times

No need to ask who won.

The Guardian - Tech

No need to ask what "this" means.

The Guardian

There was no need to ask why.

The Guardian - Arts

No need to ask my permission".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

No need to ask about the origins there.

The New York Times

There's no need to ask for help from men".

The Guardian

There was no need to ask who "they" were.

The Guardian

You follow the rescuers with no need to ask questions.

The Guardian

SEPTIMUS: If I knew how, there would be no need to ask you.

The New Yorker

No need to ask; an attendant will show you how to do it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "no need to ask", ensure the context indeed makes the point self-explanatory. Overusing it in ambiguous situations can lead to confusion or appear condescending.

Common error

Avoid using "no need to ask" when the information isn't inherently clear. If there is a chance of misunderstanding, it's better to provide a brief explanation instead of assuming the other party knows.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "no need to ask" functions as an idiomatic expression used to indicate that something is self-evident or understood. This phrase usually precedes a statement explaining why a question is unnecessary, as supported by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "no need to ask" is a correct and common expression used to indicate that something is self-explanatory or already understood. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and appropriate contexts. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase serves to streamline communication by avoiding redundant inquiries. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context is genuinely obvious to prevent misunderstandings and maintain clarity. Related alternatives include "it goes without saying" and "it's self-explanatory", each with slight nuances. Its usage is versatile but most effective when the implied knowledge is readily apparent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it goes without saying

Emphasizes that something is so obvious it doesn't require verbalization, shifting focus to self-evidence.

it's self-explanatory

Highlights the clarity and obviousness of something, removing the need for questioning or further explanation.

it's understood

Indicates a mutual agreement or implicit understanding that negates any requirement for explicit questioning.

there's no need for inquiry

Formally states that an investigation or question is unnecessary, shifting emphasis to the irrelevance of asking.

it's a given

Implies something is a pre-established fact, removing any doubt or uncertainty that would prompt a question.

it's obvious

Stresses that something is easily perceived or understood, making any question about it superfluous.

no explanation needed

Signifies that something is self-evident and requires no further clarification, changing the focus to the unnecessity of explaining.

it's crystal clear

Highlights the extreme clarity of something, making the need for any question or doubt absurd.

the answer is clear

Focuses on the ease of finding the answer, suggesting that there's no need to ask because it's already apparent.

it's apparent

Suggests something is easily noticeable or understood, thus removing the necessity to ask about it.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "no need to ask" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it goes without saying", "it is self-explanatory", or "further inquiry is unnecessary". These options provide a similar meaning but with a more refined and professional tone.

What does "no need to ask" imply in a conversation?

Using "no need to ask" suggests that the answer to a question is obvious, already known, or easily inferred from the context. It politely implies that further questioning is redundant.

Is it ever impolite to use "no need to ask"?

Yes, using "no need to ask" can come off as condescending or dismissive if the context isn't genuinely clear. It's important to gauge your audience and the situation to ensure your meaning is interpreted correctly.

What are some alternatives to "no need to ask" that avoid sounding presumptuous?

To avoid sounding presumptuous, try alternatives such as "it's generally understood", "as you might expect", or "it's fairly self-explanatory". These options acknowledge potential knowledge gaps while still implying a degree of obviousness.