delete as necessary

USAGE SUMMARY

"delete as necessary" is a phrase that is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when editing a text to indicate that words, phrases, or sentences should be removed for clarity or better flow of the writing. For example, "We went to the store, stopped by the park, delete as necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Aww/eww – delete as necessary.

The Guardian

(Note to readers: please delete as necessary, in case of win, draw or loss).

Independent

So while most audiences are beautiful, they can also be drunk/aggressive/violent/silent/emotional/drugged/ignorant (delete as necessary).

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Utilize the Copy and Delete buttons as necessary.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Furthermore, most of these works are based on incremental models, that is, networks that create and/or delete nodes as necessary.

Journal of Big Data

"Delete as appropriate.

The Guardian - Sport

Recalibrate as necessary.

The New York Times

But it is as necessary.

The Economist

as necessary.

Plosone

Lubricate it as necessary.

WikiHow

Repeat steps as necessary.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "delete as necessary" in instructions or documentation, ensure the context clearly indicates what should be considered for deletion. Specific criteria or examples can help avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid relying heavily on "delete as necessary" in formal contexts such as academic papers or business reports. It can come across as indecisive. Opt for a more assertive and direct approach by clearly specifying which elements are not needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delete as necessary" functions as an instructional directive or an editorial note. It advises the reader to remove elements based on their judgment or specific criteria. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, reinforcing its instructional purpose, as also suggested by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

50%

News & Media

33%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delete as necessary" is a grammatically sound phrase used to provide conditional instructions, commonly found in wikis, news articles, and scientific documents. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase offers flexibility in editing and reviewing processes, advising readers to remove elements based on their judgment. While its register is generally neutral to informal, it's advisable to use more direct language in highly formal contexts. Related phrases like "remove if needed" or "omit as required" can serve as alternatives, depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remove if needed

Focuses on the action of removing something based on a specific requirement.

omit as required

Emphasizes the act of leaving something out when it's a requirement.

discard when appropriate

Highlights the act of getting rid of something when it is suitable or fitting.

eliminate if applicable

Suggests removing something when it's relevant or pertinent.

erase as needed

Focuses on the action of erasing or wiping out something when it is required.

cut as suitable

Implies shortening or removing parts to fit the needs.

edit out when fitting

Highlights the action of editing and removing something when appropriate.

drop if necessary

Suggests the action of letting go or removing something when it's essential.

take out when required

Emphasizes the act of removing something from a collection or group when needed.

trim as fitting

Highlights the action of adjusting by cutting off pieces when appropriate.

FAQs

How can I use "delete as necessary" in a sentence?

You can use "delete as necessary" when providing instructions that may require removal of certain elements. For instance, "When proofreading your essay, "remove any sentences" that are redundant, and "delete as necessary"".

What's an alternative to "delete as necessary"?

Alternatives include "remove if needed", "omit as required", or "discard when appropriate", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "delete as necessary"?

It's suitable when giving instructions where the decision to delete something depends on specific circumstances or conditions. For example, in a draft document, you might write "delete irrelevant sections as necessary".

Is "delete as necessary" too informal for professional communication?

While generally acceptable, it may be perceived as slightly informal in very formal contexts. Consider using stronger, more direct language if possible. For example, instead of "edit unnecessary details, delete as necessary", you could simply state "remove unnecessary details".