for efficiency's sake

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'for efficiency's sake' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when you are attempting to emphasize why a specific course of action should be taken. For example: "Let's take the train instead of driving; for efficiency's sake, it will take us much less time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

If you make something efficient just for efficiency's sake, it typically isn't fun or functional.

TechCrunch

It's also done in the middle of the night, for efficiency's sake.

Vice

At that point, the judge urged the parties to settle, for efficiency's sake.

The New York Times

But both France and Germany insist that for efficiency's sake there should be fewer commissioners than there are member countries.

The Economist

It is a winner-take-all business, because most airlines prefer to operate a single-manufacturer fleet for efficiency's sake.

The New York Times

For the most part, biologists have tended to assume that fish band together for efficiency's sake, like professional cyclists or NASCAR drivers.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Efficiency makes sense to engineers; splurging for splurging's sake does not.

The New York Times - Tech

Manning's passing, in its variety, accuracy and efficiency, was state-of-the-art football, but that's not what stood out as art for art's sake.

The New York Times - Sports

For poetry's sake.

Independent

For Christ's sake.

The New Yorker

"For fuck's sake!

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for efficiency's sake", ensure that the context clearly defines what efficiency entails in that specific situation.

Common error

Avoid using "for efficiency's sake" as a blanket justification without considering potential trade-offs. Ensure that prioritizing efficiency doesn't negatively impact other important factors like quality or user experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for efficiency's sake" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to express the reason or purpose behind an action. As indicated by Ludwig, it highlights the motivation for prioritizing efficiency.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

17%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for efficiency's sake" is a correct and commonly used phrase to justify a decision based on the importance of achieving efficiency. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is effective for emphasizing why a specific course of action is taken. Predominantly found in news and media, it maintains a neutral tone and serves to rationalize decisions by highlighting their efficiency benefits. While useful in many contexts, it's important to avoid using it as a blanket justification without considering potential trade-offs. Alternatives such as "in the interest of efficiency" or "to streamline operations" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the interest of efficiency

A more formal way of expressing the same concept.

For the purpose of efficiency

Similar in meaning, but slightly more verbose.

With efficiency as a priority

Highlights efficiency as the main goal.

For the sake of expediency

Emphasizes speed and convenience as the primary motivation.

To streamline operations

Focuses on making processes more efficient, often in a business context.

To maximize effectiveness

Aims at getting the most impact from the activity.

To optimize performance

Highlights the goal of achieving the best possible results through efficiency.

To improve productivity

Focuses on increasing output through efficient methods.

For better resource allocation

Specifically points to the efficient use of resources.

To save time and effort

Directly addresses the benefits of efficiency.

FAQs

How can I use "for efficiency's sake" in a sentence?

You can use "for efficiency's sake" to justify a decision made to improve efficiency, for example: "We need to automate this process for efficiency's sake."

What does "for efficiency's sake" mean?

The phrase "for efficiency's sake" means that something is being done to achieve greater efficiency, often prioritizing speed and reducing waste.

What are some alternatives to "for efficiency's sake"?

Some alternatives include "in the interest of efficiency", "to streamline operations", or "for the sake of expediency".

Is it always beneficial to act "for efficiency's sake"?

While efficiency is often desirable, it's important to consider potential trade-offs. Sometimes, prioritizing efficiency can negatively impact other factors like quality or user experience. Ensure a balanced approach.