Ask & Learn闻问切英语口语:Need be
上一期读者William问及the Need be，令我想起另外一句惯用语：if need be，意思是「如有必要」。南非前总统曼德拉就有一句名言：
"But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die."「有必要的话，我愿意为这个理想付出生命。 」
我们在曼德拉的例子看到，If need be也有人说成if needs be。用日常用语说出来，应该是if there is a need或者if the needs are there，两个都有人用，但比不上if need be或者if needs be那么常用。
再举一个日常生活例子。F先生前几天小病，不得不向上司请假，信中他说：
"I would be appreciative if I could be excused from the meeting this afternoon, but if need be, I'd be happy to come, too."
今天下午的会议，我希望你容许我缺席，但若有必要，我还是愿意出席的。
Have you any questions about English usage?
Don't hesitate to send them to us!
更多信息请查看生活口语
