for the sake of expediency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "for the sake of expediency" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe when something is done in order to be more efficient or to save time. For example, "We decided to take the shortcut, for the sake of expediency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Others, though, complained that the event sacrificed artistic potency for the sake of expediency.

The New York Times - Arts

"The state is gambling away good sense for the sake of expediency".

The New York Times

An instructor resorted to giving occasional boosts with his foot, for the sake of expediency and morale.

The New Yorker

Even though that action was taken for the sake of "expediency," it rendered the trial "unfair," she said.

The New York Times

Nor was Amos indifferent to or (for the sake of expediency) indulgent of Israel's Orthodox, the way most Israeli leftists were.

The New Yorker

Law generally was thought to be a human invention arrived at by consensus for the purpose of restricting natural freedoms for the sake of expediency and self-interest.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

She was scapegoated for the sake of political expediency.

The Guardian - Opinion

Too often, she added, peacekeeping operations are ordered too small for the sake of "political expediency".

The New York Times

This must not be allowed to happen and certainly not for the sake of political expediency.

The Guardian - Opinion

It would be tragic to squander those gains for the sake of political expediency.

The New York Times

In recent months, Mr. Sarkozy has sought to portray Mr. Hollande as an opportunist, quick to change his positions for the sake of political expediency.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for the sake of expediency", ensure the trade-offs are clear. What is being sacrificed or compromised to achieve efficiency? Be explicit to avoid misunderstandings.

Common error

Avoid using "for the sake of expediency" when the short-term gains outweigh potential long-term negative impacts. Consider whether the immediate efficiency justifies the possible future repercussions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the sake of expediency" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause by indicating the reason or purpose for an action, specifically highlighting that something is done to achieve speed or convenience. As seen in Ludwig, it often justifies a choice made for efficiency, even if it involves compromise.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for the sake of expediency" is a phrase used to justify actions taken to prioritize speed and efficiency, often at the expense of other considerations. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Its usage is common across various contexts, but particularly prevalent in news, scientific writing, and encyclopedias, leaning towards a neutral to formal register. While it highlights the value of quick action, remember to assess the trade-offs involved and potential long-term consequences. Alternatives like "for the sake of efficiency" or "to expedite matters" can provide subtle variations in meaning, depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

for the sake of efficiency

Emphasizes achieving the desired outcome with minimal wasted effort or resources.

for the sake of convenience

Highlights making something easier or more comfortable, potentially at the expense of other factors.

in the interest of expediency

A more formal variation, stressing the importance of quick progress.

to expedite matters

Focuses directly on speeding up a process or task.

to save time

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the same concept, emphasizing temporal efficiency.

for practical reasons

Indicates a decision made based on what is most feasible or workable in a given situation.

for the sake of practicality

Similar to the previous alternative, but stresses the need to be sensible.

as a matter of urgency

Implies a need for swift action due to pressing circumstances.

to streamline the process

Highlights making a procedure more efficient and less complex.

for the purpose of speed

Specifically underlines the goal of accelerating progress.

FAQs

How can I use "for the sake of expediency" in a sentence?

You can use "for the sake of expediency" to justify choosing a quicker, more efficient method, even if it's not ideal. For example, "We used pre-written templates "for the sake of expediency", though customized reports would have been preferable."

What's a similar phrase to "for the sake of expediency"?

Alternatives to "for the sake of expediency" include "for the sake of efficiency", "to expedite matters", or "to save time". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always acceptable to prioritize expediency?

No, prioritizing expediency isn't always acceptable. It's crucial to consider the potential trade-offs and whether the benefits of speed outweigh any negative consequences, such as reduced quality or ethical concerns.

What is the difference between "for the sake of expediency" and "for the sake of efficiency"?

"For the sake of expediency" emphasizes speed and immediate results, while "for the sake of efficiency" focuses on minimizing wasted resources. Expediency might involve shortcuts, whereas efficiency aims for optimal resource use.