as expedient

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "expedient" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an action that is practical or advantageous, such as doing something quickly to save time. For example: We took the expedient route and drove to the beach instead of taking the train.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Mr. Sikkema has learned that a strong metaphor can be as expedient as meeting the bottom line.

The New York Times

"I don't think whatever he's doing intends to be offensive, but to be as expedient as possible considering the many, many challenges he is facing in many, many areas".

The New York Times

Mr. Wood justified his behavior as expedient.

The New York Times

No true democracy has been fostered, but the old ideologies persist only as expedient rhetoric.

The New Yorker

It was seen as expedient to enlist them in an effort to heighten tax compliance.

The New York Times

"Everything is functional primarily, and then aesthetic within the limits of what is functional as well as expedient," he says.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

31 human-written examples

Under questioning, the president's "I don't remembers" begin as politically expedient memory lapses and morph on screen into the tragic blank spaces of early Alzheimer's.

The New York Times

The new provisions of the New York bill were regarded as expedients to deal with this crisis.

The New York Times

It may be that the decision to give Cherkaoui Flanders was an expedient as well as an artistic choice.

The Guardian

Since then, actions regarded at the time as merely expedient have been recast as a far-sighted strategy and dignified by the term "gradualism".

The Economist

Some Tamils perceive Britain, among others, as morally expedient towards Sri Lanka – and as having contributed to 7,000 civilian deaths in recent months.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as expedient" when you want to suggest that a particular action or decision is being made primarily for its efficiency and convenience, especially in situations where time or resources are limited. For example: The company viewed layoffs "as expedient" to boost the annual profit.

Common error

Avoid using "as expedient" to rationalize actions that are ethically questionable or harmful. While the phrase implies practicality, it should not excuse decisions that compromise integrity or well-being. Be mindful of the broader implications of choices you justify as expedient. Don't use the phrase to try and hide your mistakes or misjudgment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as expedient" functions as an adverbial modifier, typically describing how or why an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and usable in English. It often qualifies verbs or clauses, adding the nuance of practicality or convenience to the action described.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as expedient" is used to describe actions taken primarily for their practicality and efficiency. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although it's relatively rare. Its usage spans across news, science, and encyclopedia sources. It serves to justify or explain choices based on their immediate effectiveness, with a neutral to formal tone. While it highlights efficiency, be cautious not to use it to excuse unethical decisions. Consider alternatives like "as advantageous" or "as practical" depending on the specific context. "As expedient" implies a focus on short-term gains, and while not negative, it can suggest a lack of focus on long-term implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as advantageous

Replaces "expedient" with a synonym emphasizing benefit or gain.

as practical

Substitutes "expedient" with a term focusing on usefulness and feasibility.

as beneficial

Emphasizes the positive outcomes or gains associated with the action.

as suitable

Focuses on the appropriateness of an action or method for a particular situation.

as fitting

Similar to "suitable", but may imply a more precise or tailored match.

as appropriate

Highlights the correctness and relevance of a choice in a given context.

as strategic

Implies that the action is part of a larger plan to achieve a specific goal.

as tactical

Focuses on the immediate action or maneuver rather than the overall strategy.

as a means to an end

Indicates that the action is not inherently valuable but serves a specific purpose.

as a pragmatic solution

Emphasizes the practical and problem-solving nature of the approach.

FAQs

What does "as expedient" mean?

The phrase "as expedient" means something is done or chosen because it is the easiest, quickest, or most effective way to achieve a particular aim or solve a problem, often without regard for long-term consequences or ethical considerations.

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

You can use "as expedient" to describe a decision or action that is taken primarily for its convenience or efficiency. For example: "The government viewed the tax cut "as expedient" to boost the economy quickly."

What are some alternatives to "as expedient"?

Some alternatives to "as expedient" include "as advantageous", "as practical", or "as beneficial", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always a positive thing to describe something as "as expedient"?

Not necessarily. While "as expedient" implies efficiency, it can also suggest a lack of consideration for other important factors, such as ethics or long-term consequences. It's important to consider the context in which the phrase is used.