When required

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "When required" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should be done or provided only if it is necessary or needed. Example: "Please submit your report when required by the supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When required, medical specialists provided their services.

BMC Health Services Research

When required, 10 mM uridine was added.

BMC Genomics

When required, 3 μg/ml mevinolin was added.

Genome Biology and Evolution

When required, data transformation was used to reach normality.

Gut

When required, forms were sent for secondary assessment.

BMJ Open

When required, cassettes were flipped out (Datsenko and Wanner, 2000).

EMBO Journal

When required, a second reviewer (CD) was consulted.

Breast Cancer Research

When required, P values are stated in the figure legends.

BMC Cancer

When required, airway suction was performed with an open circuit.

Critical Care

When required, streptavidin-conjugated FITC/Cy3 amplification was used.

Development (Cambridge)

When required, ampicillin was included at 200 μg/mL.

ACS Catalysis

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when required" to clearly indicate that an action or resource is only necessary under certain conditions, avoiding unnecessary actions or resource expenditure. For instance, "Backup data when required, such as before system updates."

Common error

Avoid using "when required" in overly simple sentences where "if needed" or "as necessary" would suffice, as it can make the writing sound unnecessarily formal. For instance, instead of "Call me when required", consider "Call me if needed."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "When required" functions as an adverbial phrase, specifically a relative clause that modifies a verb or clause. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates a condition under which an action should be performed. It adds a temporal or conditional element to the sentence, specifying when the action is necessary.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

77%

News & Media

14%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "When required" is a commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates conditionality and necessity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage, especially within scientific and technical contexts. Alternatives include "as needed" or "if necessary", but "When required" maintains a level of formality suitable for professional settings. While grammatically sound, avoid overuse in simple sentences, as it may sound overly formal. Use it to clearly indicate that an action or resource is only necessary under certain conditions to avoid unnecessary actions or resource expenditure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

As needed

Shorter and more direct, implying immediacy of need.

If necessary

Emphasizes the conditionality of the action.

When necessary

Similar structure but highlights the condition.

As appropriate

Focuses on suitability rather than strict requirement.

Where applicable

Suitable in contexts where something may or may not be relevant.

On demand

Emphasizes immediate availability or action.

Subject to necessity

More formal, highlighting dependence on need.

Contingent upon need

Highlights the dependency on specific circumstances.

Depending on the situation

Broader and less direct, indicating situational variance.

At the appropriate time

Emphasizes timing based on circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "When required" in a sentence?

Use "When required" to specify that an action or provision is conditional. For example, "Additional staff will be hired "when necessary"" or "Submit the form "as needed"".

What's a simpler alternative to "When required"?

Alternatives like "if needed", "as necessary", or ""when necessary"" offer more concise options depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "When required" and "If required"?

While similar, "when required" implies a known condition that triggers the requirement, whereas "if required" suggests a more uncertain possibility. Consider "Water the plants when required (when the soil is dry)" versus "Water the plants if required (if they look wilted)".

Can "When required" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "When required" is suitable for formal writing, particularly in scientific, technical, or business contexts where precision and conditionality are important. For less formal contexts, consider alternatives like ""as needed"" or "if necessary".