ad hoc basis

USAGE SUMMARY

'ad hoc basis' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to refer to an action that is done in a flexible, improvised way as needed. For example: The team will be meeting on an ad hoc basis this month to discuss the project's progress.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

We also made stops on an ad hoc basis.

Nature

Licenses are given out on an ad hoc basis.

The New York Times

The Justices do it on an ad hoc basis.

The New Yorker

"If you deploy the lashkar on an ad hoc basis they can be an embarrassment".

The New York Times

For years, they gave to charity on an ad hoc basis.

The New York Times

Until now, such courts have been set up on an ad hoc basis.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

These have been added on an ad-hoc basis, and are by no means exhaustive.

Harvard University

Others move on a more ad-hoc basis.

The Guardian

SP Status: SPs participate on an ad-hoc basis.

Cornell University

"Now, doctors tend to be funded on an ad-hoc basis.

The New York Times

Some work on set with him; a majority are available on an ad-hoc basis.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ad hoc basis" to convey flexibility and adaptability. This suggests a willingness to adjust strategies as new information becomes available or as circumstances change.

Common error

Avoid using "ad hoc basis" when a structured or systematic approach is actually in place. Overusing the phrase can create confusion and undermine the perceived organization of a process or project.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ad hoc basis" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing how an action is carried out. It indicates that something is done without a pre-set plan or regular schedule, but rather as the need arises. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

27%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

14%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ad hoc basis" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe actions or decisions made without a specific plan or schedule, functioning as an adverbial modifier that conveys flexibility and responsiveness. Ludwig AI confirms its wide applicability and offers numerous examples across various fields. Predominantly used in News & Media and Academic contexts, as seen in Ludwig, it is a versatile phrase suitable for professional and neutral registers. While "ad hoc basis" indicates adaptability, ensure its use aligns with the actual context to prevent misunderstandings of structured processes. The many examples available on Ludwig demonstrate that it is a widely accepted term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as needed

Focuses on fulfilling requirements at the moment they arise, differing in directness and simplicity.

on demand

Emphasizes availability and immediacy when something is requested, changing the focus to responsiveness.

case by case

Highlights individual consideration for each situation, shifting to a more granular perspective.

when necessary

Stresses the conditional nature of taking action, being less proactive.

situationally

Highlights that actions are very dependent on the situation.

spontaneously

Indicates actions are impulsive and unplanned, adding an element of surprise.

on an individual basis

Highlights an individualized assessment or plan instead of a general strategy.

without a fixed plan

Highlights the absence of pre-planning. Can be interchangeable in some context.

as circumstances require

Adds a layer of contingency, emphasizing the role of external factors in dictating action.

by improvisation

Focuses on the act of creating solutions on the spot, suggesting a creative approach to problem-solving.

FAQs

How can I use "ad hoc basis" in a sentence?

You can use "ad hoc basis" to describe activities or decisions made without a pre-planned system. For example, "The committee will meet on an "ad hoc basis" to address emerging issues".

What phrases are similar to "ad hoc basis"?

Alternatives include "as needed", "on demand", or "case by case", each conveying a slightly different nuance of unplanned or responsive action.

Is it appropriate to use "ad hoc basis" in formal writing?

Yes, "ad hoc basis" is suitable for formal writing, particularly when describing flexible or responsive processes. However, ensure clarity and avoid overuse to maintain professionalism. Prefer alternatives if the context requires more precision.

What is the difference between "ad hoc" and "ad hoc basis"?

"Ad hoc" is an adjective describing something created or done for a particular purpose as necessary. "Ad hoc basis" is an adverbial phrase indicating the manner in which something is done, emphasizing the lack of a fixed plan. They are largely interchangeable and "ad hoc basis" is just a more verbose version that is mostly used for emphasis.