as a contingency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as a contingency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is kept in reserve for use if necessary, for example: "They included an extra supply of medical supplies as a contingency in case of an emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The second reason was as a contingency against Martin leaving.

The Guardian - Sport

You can't run it as a contingency when it's obviously become a steady state".

The New York Times

Then they add 10percentt as a contingency for possible changes.

The New York Times

Last week, Honda said it would look to stockpile some components as a contingency measure.

The Guardian

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have a policy of keeping three months of liquid investments on hand as a contingency.

The New York Times

A department spokeswoman declined to elaborate on the "plan B" for IT that is being prepared as a contingency.

The Guardian

Tamiflu is the main antiviral in stock and a separate antiviral is also held as a contingency.

The Guardian

Her focus has shifted to unification, but couched as a contingency rather than in partnership with Pyongyang.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those involved in the effort should be prepared for this and include it as a contingency in their overall plan.

Pipeline Leak Detection Handbook

Their minibus farm (it's sort of like a truck farm) was to serve as a contingency against unemployment.

The New York Times

Garrard was signed in March as a contingency plan in case Sanchez was released or traded and Smith faltered.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as a contingency" to clearly indicate that something is being kept in reserve for possible future use. It is especially useful when outlining risk mitigation strategies or backup plans.

Common error

Avoid using "as a contingency" in situations where a simpler phrase like "just in case" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound unnatural or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as a contingency" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate purpose or condition. It introduces an element of preparedness or a backup plan. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as a contingency" is a versatile phrase used to denote actions taken in preparation for potential future events. It functions as an adverbial phrase, signaling planning and preparedness. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of this expression, and it appears most frequently in News & Media and Science contexts, with a generally neutral to professional register. To enhance your writing, use "as a contingency" where you want to emphasize readiness and careful planning; however, avoid overuse in overly simple contexts. Alternatives include "as a backup plan" or "as a precaution", depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as a backup plan

Directly indicates an alternative plan should the primary one fail.

as a safety measure

Highlights the intent to prevent harm or negative outcomes.

as a precaution

Emphasizes taking steps to avoid potential problems.

in case of emergency

Specifically addresses actions taken for unforeseen crises.

for future needs

Focuses on readiness for anticipated requirements.

as a reserve

Implies having something extra available if needed.

on standby

Indicates readiness and immediate availability.

in anticipation of

Prepares for a specific expected event.

for unforeseen circumstances

Addresses readiness for unpredictable events.

as an alternative

Offers a substitute option if the primary one is not viable.

FAQs

How can I use "as a contingency" in a sentence?

Use "as a contingency" to introduce a backup plan or a reserve measure. For example, "We have extra staff trained "as a contingency" in case of sick leave."

What can I say instead of "as a contingency"?

You can use alternatives like "as a backup plan", "as a precaution", or "in case of emergency" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "as a contingency"?

It's appropriate when discussing planning and preparation, especially when outlining strategies to deal with potential problems or unexpected situations. It suggests a proactive approach to risk management.

Is "as a contingency" formal or informal?

"As a contingency" is generally considered more formal. In informal settings, phrases like "just in case" or "as a backup" might be more suitable.