Re: mustn't vs needn't

aymanMember

Hello, teachers

Mr @David, Moderator and Mr @Gustavo, Co-Moderator

Is it OK to use either "mustn't" or "needn't" in such a context?

Writing this report is not important. You[ mustn't _ needn't ] bother yourself.

I came across some sentences using "mustn't / needn't worry". I think "bother" has the same mea ning and can be used the same way with both modal verbs.

I know "mustn't" refers to something that is prohibited / negative obligation. However, "needn't" refers to "lack of necessity". Yet, Can't we use "mustn't" for "strong advice" as is mentioned in some sentences.

Attachments

Hide

Images (3)

6/25/203:36 PM

❤️ 0

Original Post

Replies sorted oldest to newest

Gustavo, Co-ModeratorProfessor of Legal and Financial Translation

Hi, Ayman,

Although they are similar, the underlying message when you use "mustn't" is "don't do it," so there seems to be a stronger personal involvement on the part of the speaker, while the message underlying the use of "needn't" is "there's no need to it."

6/26/2010:04 AM

❤️ 0

aymanMember

@Gustavo, Co-Moderator posted:
Hi, Ayman,
Although they are similar, the underlying message when you use "mustn't" is "don't do it," so there seems to be a stronger personal involvement on the part of the speaker, while the message underlying the use of "needn't" is "there's no need to it."

So, we can say that they both can work here in such a context but with different implications, right?

6/26/2010:46 AM

❤️ 0

Gustavo, Co-ModeratorProfessor of Legal and Financial Translation