# Please do the needful? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [January 23, 2008, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715 "2008-01-23T21:02:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 10:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/21 "2008-01-24T10:52:11Z")
[QUOTE=Dervorin] _grins_ Actually, I think you’ll find that it is. I’m asking if the OP finds it difficult to decipher the given sentence, in much the same vein as “Surely you don’t think we should go this way?” Perhaps it’s used more in the UK (a little searching on the net brings up several sites with this usage, most of them from the UK) but it’s not a typo, as you seem to be suggesting. 😉 [/QUOTE] Actually, I think you’ll find that I’m quite the one for talking about UK usage, what with having been born here and continuously resident here for the last forty years? 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Dervorin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Dervorin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dervorin)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 11:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/22 "2008-01-24T11:18:19Z")
[QUOTE=Malacandra] Actually, I think you’ll find that I’m quite the one for talking about UK usage, what with having been born here and continuously resident here for the last forty years? 😛 [/QUOTE] Well, surely you’re not suggesting that the [Royal College of Psychiatrists](http://pb.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/abstract/28/2/36?ijkey=9326a0831605db2a9b34af97ec535bd2bb648f09&keytype2=tf_ipsecsha) is wrong in their usage? Surely you’re not saying that this [English tutoring](http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic1730.html) website is wrong? And surely you’re not saying that [this](http://www.anviljournal.co.uk/Articles/19_4_Buchanan.htm), [this](http://www.podtech.net/blog/blog/1576/surely-you-understand-hollywood-20-yes-i-do-but-don%E2%80%99t-call-me-shirley) and [this](http://hubpages.com/hub/onlinesafety) are incorrect use of language? (Note: pages provided for elucidation only; opinions expressed therein are those of the website alone, and do not represent the opinions of the individual making this post.) I think the difference with the implied question is that you’re expressing some degree of incredulity that the person couldn’t see this for themselves: “There’s no way that you could be suggesting that we should go this way; confirm for me that you actually said that”. Surely you’re not saying we should go this way? I did actually think you were in the UK, incidentally, but I wasn’t sure, so thought it might be better to check. Ah, I love the way grammar threads go off track; vive la hijack! ---
**Author:** ![Malacandra](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Malacandra](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Malacandra)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 11:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/23 "2008-01-24T11:23:05Z")
Royal College of Psychiatrists? Pooh, sir, that’s an Appeal To Authority fallacy? You’re citing an expert body on psychiatry on a question of grammar? For shame? Also, in his second sentence, I believe the OP was expressing incredulity that this linguistic barbarism should be so prevalent? Shall we let them have their thread back now? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Dervorin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/eb8c5e/32.png) [@Dervorin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dervorin)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 11:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/24 "2008-01-24T11:41:19Z")
[QUOTE=Malacandra] Royal College of Psychiatrists? Pooh, sir, that’s an Appeal To Authority fallacy? You’re citing an expert body on psychiatry on a question of grammar? For shame? Also, in his second sentence, I believe the OP was expressing incredulity that this linguistic barbarism should be so prevalent? Shall we let them have their thread back now? 😃 [/QUOTE] Surely it’s obvious that I wasn’t appealing to their authority, but merely pointing out that this form is in current, reasonably widespread usage? Why should they have their thread back, when we’re having so much fun in it? 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 1:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/25 "2008-01-24T13:02:42Z")
I love the term. In fact, I’m using it more and more all the time. My other favorite is “Can I take snacks please?” ---
**Author:** ![JustThinkin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f0a364/32.png) [@JustThinkin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JustThinkin)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 1:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/26 "2008-01-24T13:05:56Z")
\ . . . . do the needful. . . \ ---
**Author:** ![An\_Gadai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/d6d6ee/32.png) [@An\_Gadai](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Gadai)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 1:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/27 "2008-01-24T13:22:29Z")
It took me a while to realise what “fairly used” meant. It’s Nigerian English for secondhand. ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/28 "2008-01-24T14:36:47Z")
I’m surprised that this phrase should be queried. It’s been standard English (and American English also - note the cite from George Washington) for centuries, and still is. (Either in the first or second sense below). From OED > [@](#): > > needful, adj. and n. > > 1. With the. > > a. That which is necessary or requisite. Chiefly in to do the needful. > > 1709 R. STEELE Tatler No. 78 {page}7 If you want any further Particulars..let me know, and per first will advise the needful. > > b. colloq. The necessary funds; money, cash. > > a1777 S. FOOTE Cozeners (1778) III. ii. 76 Mrs. Air:… You have the needful? Air: All but five hundred pounds. 1794 G. WASHINGTON in Bull. N.Y. Public Libr. 1 209 As you had acknowledged the receipt of the needful for purchasing the Buck Wh[eat]. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/29 "2008-01-24T14:50:11Z")
[QUOTE=aldiboronti] I’m surprised that this phrase should be queried. It’s been standard English (and American English also - note the cite from George Washington) for centuries, and still is… [/QUOTE] Just because it was used in America over 200 years ago doesn’t mean it still is used that way today. My Webster’s dictionary lists only the adjective form and I’ve never heard it used as a noun. ---
**Author:** ![aldiboronti](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9fc348/32.png) [@aldiboronti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aldiboronti)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/30 "2008-01-24T15:00:44Z")
[QUOTE=garygnu] Just because it was used in America over 200 years ago doesn’t mean it still is used that way today. My Webster’s dictionary lists only the adjective form and I’ve never heard it used as a noun. [/QUOTE] I should have made clear I was referring to British English when I said the phrase was still in use, and I only included the early cites to show how long it’s been around. Here are some more recent ones\> 1992 J. TORRINGTON Swing Hammer Swing! xiii. 118, I went over to the drinks cabinet to do the needful. 1922 J. JOYCE Ulysses III. 573 He was living in affluence and hadn’t a thing to do but hand out the needful. 1951 Sunday Pictorial 21 Jan. 5/2 They have been getting the ‘needful’ from their quick-turnover, ready-cash friends{em}the cinemas and the hotels. 1981 L. R. BANKS Writing on Wall ix. 78, I was doing some odd jobs. Picked up a bit of the needful. The phrase is alive and in lusty health, at least on this side of the Atlantic. ---
**Author:** ![TheBaptiste](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/f6c823/32.png) [@TheBaptiste](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheBaptiste)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 4:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/31 "2008-01-24T16:06:21Z")
[QUOTE=Dervorin] Well, I didn’t want to appear \*too \*snarky, you know. That’s why I didn’t point out that the second sentence of the OP isn’t a question, and shouldn’t end with a question mark. 😉 [/QUOTE] Oh both of you just “bugger off”, I failed engrish in high school!? ---
**Author:** ![brad\_d](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/50afbb/32.png) [@brad\_d](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/brad_d)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/32 "2008-01-24T16:13:24Z")
I can certainly figure out what it means, but the phrase is vanishingly rare here in my experience. I’d heard of Stephen King’s novel _Needful Things_, but I don’t believe I’ve ever actually encountered the phrase “do the needful.” And now I think it’ll be locked in my brain as a euphemism for visiting the restroom… ---
**Author:** ![Skammer](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skammer/32/143_2.png) [@Skammer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skammer)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 4:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/33 "2008-01-24T16:15:07Z")
I just wanted to say my office has also adopted “do the needful” from our Indian colleagues. That and “Let me see how best I can help you.” ---
**Author:** ![KneadToKnow](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kneadtoknow/32/3999_2.png) [@KneadToKnow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KneadToKnow)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/34 "2008-01-24T16:16:54Z")
So “do the needful” doesn’t have anything at all to do with picking up homeless chicks and showing them a good time? Crap. All that wasted muscatel. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 4:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/35 "2008-01-24T16:19:00Z")
[QUOTE=Shagnasty] but the real problem occurs when English constructions mean one thing to them and another to us. [/QUOTE] I’m eager to hear examples. ---
**Author:** ![Acsenray](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/acsenray/32/4519_2.png) [@Acsenray](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Acsenray)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/36 "2008-01-24T16:21:38Z")
[QUOTE=dnooman] Our manufacturer in Pune received orders from us, as most manufacturers do. However, from time to time, we would have to call and check on orders that were late. On several occasions, we inquired about previous orders and were told that the manufacturing plant “did not believe the order placed”. [/QUOTE] Read as: The plant did not understand that the order had been placed. Is there some official form or procedure for placing orders, perhaps? ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/37 "2008-01-24T17:11:17Z")
[QUOTE=aldiboronti] …The phrase is alive and in lusty health, at least on this side of the Atlantic. [/QUOTE] I see. It’s one more thing that being separated by an ocean and time can do to language use. Is it as common in England today as it is in India? I actually had never heard the phrase myself until I read this thread… then, just now, when I opened my mailbox at work and got this: “Please do needful earliest.” It’s fairly clear with the context I’ve ommitted, but it still just sounds bizarre because there’s no normally-used noun there. A definite article would be nice. ---
**Author:** ![Mike\_Fun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a9adbd/32.png) [@Mike\_Fun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mike_Fun)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 6:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/38 "2008-01-24T18:28:13Z")
[do the needful stuff](http://www.dotheneedfulstuff.com/) ---
**Author:** ![ASAKMOTSD](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/919ad9/32.png) [@ASAKMOTSD](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ASAKMOTSD)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/39 "2008-01-24T19:15:15Z")
[Michael Jackson] Ravi, do the needful Ravi, do the needful Do the needful, Ravi \ You been hit by You been hit by A smooth In-di-an… [/Michael Jackson] ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [January 24, 2008, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715/40 "2008-01-24T19:48:32Z")
[QUOTE=Dervorin] T “abscond” is a perfectly legitimate word, although clearly not quite appropriate in this context - unless he ran away and is hiding [/QUOTE] Beats heck out of “eloped” which is often used at involuntary detention facilities of various types. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/please-do-the-needful/434715.md?page=3)