expedient

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'expedient' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to describe an action that is suitable and convenient for a particular situation. For example, "I took the expedient route to the office so I could avoid the traffic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Good order and authority are now necessary… We must have recourse to the old Roman expedient in times of confusion and choose a dictator".

The Guardian - Opinion

King pushed him, and Johnson continued: "I can't get it through, because I need the votes of a southern bloc to get these other things through… it's just not the wise and the politically expedient thing to do".

The Guardian - Film

A decision has been taken that it would be politically and commercially expedient for England to play in Ireland again.

The Guardian - Sport

There, she earned a place on the university football team "by the simple expedient of standing on the field and refusing to move off, since there wasn't a women's competition".

The Guardian

The film was barely professionally reviewed in the UK, achieved by the simple expedient of not offering any press screenings.

The Guardian - Film

It has been floated, he says, that the UK could escape its obligations without leaving the treaty by the simple expedient of insisting that parliament be required to approve any judgment that is unfavourable to the UK.

The Guardian

Faced with a choice between promoting happiness through political change - by reducing advertising or meaningless work, for example - and doing so through new behavioural or medical interventions, the latter invariably end up seeming most expedient.

The Guardian

What was supposed to be an interim expedient to help a few acutely ill patients while a better deal with the industry was hammered out has become a way of escaping the constraints carefully established by Nice.

The Guardian - Opinion

In Harley's case the expedient approach would be to cut prices to keep market share.

The Economist

He says that the argument was between "enterprise" and "fairness", and that New Labour has ended this enervating quarrel by the simple expedient of declaring that both things matter after all.

The Economist

On May 11th the new Union for the Presidential Majority (UMP), an expedient amalgam of most of the parties of the centre and right, issued a list of its agreed candidates for the assembly's 577 constituencies.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expedient" when you want to communicate efficiency and effectiveness, especially in navigating challenging situations. For instance, 'Finding an "expedient" solution to the logistical problem.'

Common error

Avoid using "expedient" when a decision is morally questionable. While "expedient" means convenient and effective, it can imply sacrificing ethical considerations for immediate results.

Linguistic Context

The word "expedient" primarily functions as an adjective to describe something that is suitable and practical for achieving a specific purpose, often emphasizing efficiency or convenience. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples, showcasing how "expedient" modifies nouns to indicate a beneficial approach.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Formal & Business

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expedient" is a versatile adjective that describes something practical and effective, especially when navigating challenges. Ludwig AI shows its frequent use in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When using "expedient", consider whether short-term gains outweigh long-term consequences, and avoid using it when ethics are compromised. Alternatives include "convenient" and "practical", though their connotations may differ. Remember, while "expedient" highlights efficiency, ensure your decisions remain ethical and sustainable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

convenient

Focuses more on ease and accessibility, while "expedient" also implies effectiveness.

practical

Emphasizes the usefulness and feasibility of a solution, differing from "expedient" which can sometimes imply a compromise on principles.

advantageous

Highlights the benefits gained from a course of action, where "expedient" may only address immediate needs.

suitable

Indicates appropriateness for a specific purpose, without necessarily implying efficiency or speed like "expedient".

opportune

Suggests that the timing is particularly favorable, which is a narrower focus than the broader "expedient".

politic

Stresses shrewdness and diplomacy, adding a layer of strategic consideration not always present in "expedient".

pragmatic

Focuses on realism and practicality, often in contrast to idealism, unlike "expedient" which can be neutral.

efficient

Highlights minimizing waste and maximizing productivity, a specific type of effectiveness not always implied by "expedient".

resourceful

Emphasizes creativity and problem-solving skills, adding an element of ingenuity beyond simple expediency.

tactical

Implies a strategic approach to a specific situation, differing from "expedient" which can be more general.

FAQs

How can I use "expedient" in a sentence?

You can use "expedient" to describe an action or solution that is practical and efficient in achieving a particular purpose, even if it's not ideal. For example, "It was politically "expedient" for England to play in Ireland again".

What are some synonyms for "expedient"?

Some synonyms for "expedient" include "convenient", "practical", "advantageous", and "suitable", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is "expedient" always a positive term?

No, "expedient" is not always positive. It can imply that a solution is chosen for its immediate benefit, even if it involves compromising long-term goals or ethical considerations. It depends on the context.

What's the difference between "expedient" and "expeditious"?

"Expedient" refers to something that is useful or advantageous in a particular situation, while "expeditious" means something is done quickly and efficiently. While both can relate to efficiency, "expedient" focuses on suitability, and "expeditious" focuses on speed.