as and when necessary

USAGE SUMMARY

"as and when necessary" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when something needs to be done occasionally or only if it is needed. For example: "We will review the situation as and when necessary to ensure the success of the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

First shown to the public at the Festival of Britain in 1951, the design was meant to have been added to as and when necessary.

The Guardian

As well as encouraging major suppliers to come up with better ideas that can help the government cut costs, Crothers believes there are alternatives to time and materials (T&M) and fixed pricing that could be adopted as and when necessary.

The Guardian

(Like another popular, but lesser, icon, Doctor Who, Batman regenerates as and when necessary). The "Nolan" Batman is a serious-minded work, preoccupied with the inner life of the vigilante, and does its level best to ground the traditional tales of supervillains and hi-tech gadgetry in some kind of coherent sense of reality.

The Guardian - Film

During this time, plants were irrigated with tap water as and when necessary.

BioMed Research International

It is therefore quite probable that As-intoxication deranges the activity of certain house-keeping genes (e.g. the genes responsible for synthesizing enzymes necessary for normal maintenance of cells and to detoxify cellular environment, as and when necessary).

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Place the containers with the side dishes on a long table place at one of the sides of the room (the items can be taken and served from this table, as and when necessary).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

From the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research to innovative housing options, each component of this system is designed to help keep seniors independent in the community for as long as possible and, when necessary, to provide the best quality long-term care.

Harvard University

All too often, such incidents occur with only fellow officers as witnesses, and when necessary, the "blue wall of silence" keeps their story consistent and unimpeachable.

The New York Times

Yet, at the same time, he shows (whether in scenes of Adèle's persecution in high school or her inhibition with her parents) that groups erect walls of identification as a psychological (and, when necessary, even physical) means of self-defense, when society at large doesn't do so.

The New Yorker

"While Nato exists to defend its members – most of which are European – from external attack, Europeans must be better equipped, trained and organised to contribute decisively to such collective efforts, as well as to act autonomously if and when necessary".

The Guardian

Qualified healthcare personnel was considered as all healthcare professionals who have accredited training in healthcare and have the competencies required to enable them to oversee pregnancy, delivery and immediate normal postpartum period, as well as knowing how to identify, treat, and when necessary, take the decision to transfer women or newborn presenting with complications.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about resource allocation, especially in budget-conscious contexts, use "as and when necessary" to emphasize efficiency and avoid wasteful spending on things that aren't immediately required.

Common error

Avoid using "as and when necessary" excessively in a single document. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. Instead, vary your language with alternatives like "when required" or "on an ad hoc basis" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as and when necessary" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs or clauses to indicate the timing and condition under which an action should be performed. As Ludwig AI explains, it signifies that something is done only if and when a specific need arises.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as and when necessary" is a grammatically sound and acceptable adverbial phrase used to indicate that something should be done or provided only when the situation requires it. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English. While it isn't the most common phrase, with only 7 exact examples found in Ludwig, it appears across a variety of sources including News & Media, Science, and Wiki articles. Best practices dictate using it to emphasize efficiency and avoid wastefulness, and should not be overused in writing. Consider alternatives such as "when the need arises" or "as needed" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the need arises

This alternative emphasizes the condition of need as the trigger for action.

only when required

This option highlights the conditional aspect of the action, specifying it occurs solely upon requirement.

on an ad hoc basis

This phrase indicates that decisions and actions are made spontaneously and for specific cases.

as needed

This is a shorter, more direct way of saying something is done only if there's a need.

when applicable

This phrase is appropriate when discussing rules or guidelines that are not always relevant.

if the situation warrants

This alternative suggests that the action depends on the circumstances justifying it.

contingent on requirements

This phrase makes it clear that actions depend on specific needs being met.

subject to necessity

This option emphasizes the reliance on a need as the determining factor.

at one's discretion

This phrase gives more leeway to the entity performing the action.

depending on the circumstances

This alternative underlines that the action is conditional to the context.

FAQs

What does "as and when necessary" mean?

The phrase "as and when necessary" means that something will be done or provided only at the time it is needed, rather than regularly or preemptively. It indicates a reactive approach to addressing requirements.

How can I use "as and when necessary" in a sentence?

You can use "as and when necessary" to describe actions that are conditional and dependent on specific needs. For example, "We will provide additional support "as and when necessary" to ensure the project's success."

What are some alternatives to "as and when necessary"?

Some alternatives to "as and when necessary" include "when the need arises", "only when required", or "as needed". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "as and when it is necessary" instead of "as and when necessary"?

Yes, adding "it is" is somewhat redundant because the phrase already implies that something will happen based on the necessity of the situation. Sticking with the concise form, "as and when necessary", is generally preferable for clarity and directness.