Basically, I am asking whether it is grammatically correct to describe a person as "necessary" or unnecessary.
I'd appreciate it if anyone can help me with that.
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1It is grammatical. Whether it is polite depends on context.– Jeff MorrowJan 11, 2018 at 6:25
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Not enough context.– LambieJul 28, 2021 at 19:34
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3 Answers
In the context of a workforce, when an employer no longer needs an employee's services they would denote that they are no longer required rather than saying that someone is not necessary.
It depends on the context.
For example, people are necessary to build a human pyramid.
However, in most other contexts it's usually what the person provides that's necessary or unnecessary.
For example, your presence is unnecessary as we already have enough volunteers.
I would stick with saying someone's presence, time, help, input, contribution etc is necessary or unnecessary, rather than just saying it about a person. It's more specific, grammatically correct, and polite.
I think it is more natural to say that the thing the person is offering is not needed or necessary rather than the person himself.
Examples:
Your help is not necessary anymore.
Your input is not necessary . We've already made up our minds.
Mr.. Smith's assistance is no longer necessary.
