as needed basis

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as needed basis" is not correct in written English; it should be "on an as-needed basis." You can use it to describe a situation where something is done only when required, rather than on a regular schedule.
Example: "We will provide support on an as-needed basis, depending on the project's demands."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Prior to the income tax, taxes were levied on the wealthy on an as needed basis.

Huffington Post

Outsourcing allows you to enlist professionals such as bookkeepers on an as needed basis.

Huffington Post

In those with mild disease, short-acting agents are recommended on an as needed basis.

Wikipedia

At this point, outcome measures for PV are being developed on an as needed basis whenever trials are done.

Archives of Dermatological Research

All asthma medication was withdrawn for 48 hours, allowing inhaled beta-2 agonists on an as needed basis.

BMC Gastroenterology

Communication and consultation is the traditional process whereby primary care providers consult with psychiatrists on an as needed basis [ 23].

BMC Health Services Research

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Second, tracheal suctioning should be performed only on an 'as needed' basis.

Critical Care

Follow-ups were done at 8-12 weekly intervals (60.3%) with 3.4% on 'as needed' basis.

BMC Family Practice

For NSAIDs the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding is relatively low, particularly if used on an 'as needed' basis.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

Typically, family consultations happen on a 'one off' or 'as needed' basis usually defined by the family.

BMC Palliative Care

"If they need to buy tickets, that's fine, then they buy them on an as-needed basis.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the correct phrase "on an as-needed basis" to ensure grammatical accuracy in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase without "on an". Saying just "as needed basis" is grammatically incorrect and sounds awkward in formal contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as needed basis" functions as an adverbial modifier, specifying the circumstances under which an action or provision is implemented. However, Ludwig AI highlights that the phrase is grammatically incorrect. The correct usage is "on an as-needed basis."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as needed basis" is commonly used to indicate that something is provided or done only when required. However, Ludwig AI points out that it is grammatically incorrect and should be written as "on an as-needed basis". While frequently found in diverse contexts such as Science, News & Media, and Wiki, using the correct form enhances clarity and credibility, particularly in formal writing. Remember to use "on an as-needed basis" to maintain grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as required

Shorter and more direct, implying a strict necessity.

when necessary

Emphasizes the conditional aspect of the action.

on demand

Highlights the immediacy of the response to a need.

as the situation demands

Focuses on the specific circumstances dictating the need.

only when required

Underscores the exclusivity of the action to necessary situations.

contingent on need

Formal, emphasizing the dependency on a demonstrated requirement.

if the need arises

Expresses a potential future need triggering action.

subject to availability

Includes a consideration for resource limitations alongside need.

per request

Highlights that the action is initiated by a request.

based on necessity

Emphasizes that decisions are driven by essential requirements.

FAQs

How do I properly use "as needed basis" in a sentence?

The correct way to use the phrase is "on an as-needed basis". For example, "Support will be provided "on an as-needed basis"".

What is a grammatically correct alternative to "as needed basis"?

You can use phrases like "as required", "when necessary", or "on demand".

Why is "as needed basis" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase requires the preposition "on" and the article "an" to function correctly as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or adjective. Omitting these makes the phrase grammatically incomplete.

Is there a difference in formality between "on an as-needed basis" and "when necessary"?

"On an as-needed basis" is generally considered more formal than "when necessary". The latter is suitable for more casual contexts.