Tell me more ×  Are these two sentences equivalent?  You needn't
pay at once.  You don't need to pay at once.  If yes, which one
would you recommend? Is it an US/GB thing?  share|improve this
question I think we learned in school they are different, but I
forgot what was the difference. I'm curious to know too, so +1
–  Richard Rodriguez May 20 '11 at 13:11 add comment  3 Answers
They are equivalent in meaning; however, the non contracted
forms would be  You need not pay at once. You do not need to pay
at once.  I think the first is more common in BrE (though I
would request confirmation). The second formation is more common
is AmE; however, we would more likely say  You don't need to pay
right away.  share|improve this answer If the former was more
common in BrE it is archaic now - I know not of any person who
would speak in such a manner. –  Andy F May 20 '11 at 13:15 It
may be archaic for you, @AndyF, it's alive and well for me. But
it is true that "need" has been for some while in process of
changing fro