if and when necessary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if and when necessary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will be done only at the appropriate time or when it is required. Example: "We will provide additional training for the staff if and when necessary to ensure everyone is up to date with the new procedures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Peacekeeping troops, he said, would be sent "if and when necessary".

The New York Times

Leaders from southern Africa said they were ready to send soldiers to Congo "if and when necessary", raising fears of a regional war.

The Economist

"We were expected to do all the usual things" like developing lessons, grading homework and tests, handwriting grade cards, and contacting parents "if and when necessary".

Huffington Post

It will (or won't) be made if and when necessary".

The New York Times - Sports

On Friday, Sara Winge, a vice president for O'Reilly Media, spoke to a colleague of Mr. Raftery's and reached an agreement permitting the use of the phrase this time, with future uses to be negotiated if and when necessary.

The New York Times - Tech

"While Nato exists to defend its members – most of which are European – from external attack, Europeans must be better equipped, trained and organised to contribute decisively to such collective efforts, as well as to act autonomously if and when necessary".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

While two-thirds of these prove to be unfounded, it is far better for a trained professional to ascertain if a child is safe and, when necessary, offer services to the family, than to do nothing at all.

The New York Times

Only then can metronome markings, if there are any, be considered and, when necessary, modified.

The Guardian - Books

Only then can metronome markings, if there are any, be considered and, when necessary, modified.

The Guardian - Books

Data were explored for outliers, skewness, and normality and transformed when necessary if the normality assumption was violated.

BioMed Research International

He is a pro-American, pro-United Nations, pro-European who is for multilateral diplomacy if possible and war when necessary.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if and when necessary" to clearly indicate that an action or decision is contingent on specific conditions and timing. This avoids ambiguity about when something will occur.

Common error

While useful, avoid overusing "if and when necessary" in formal writing. Sometimes, simpler alternatives like "when required" or "as needed" are more concise and direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if and when necessary" functions as an adverbial phrase. It modifies a verb or clause by specifying the conditions and timing under which an action should occur. Ludwig's examples showcase its ability to add precision to statements about future actions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "if and when necessary" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adverbial phrase that indicates an action will be taken only under specific conditions and at the appropriate time. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts. While versatile, simpler alternatives like "when needed" may be preferable in some formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's validity and usability, suggesting it's a reliable choice for expressing conditional actions with a focus on both necessity and timing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

When and if needed

Reverses the order of the conjunctions, placing emphasis on the timing.

As and when required

Uses "required" instead of "necessary", suggesting a more formal context.

Only when necessary

Emphasizes the condition of necessity as the primary trigger.

If it becomes necessary

Rephrases the contingency with a clearer conditional structure.

When the need arises

Uses idiomatic language to convey a similar meaning.

Should the occasion arise

Presents a more formal and hypothetical scenario.

If the situation warrants

Replaces "necessary" with "warrants", indicating justification.

As circumstances dictate

Focuses on external circumstances determining the action.

When deemed appropriate

Shifts the focus to a judgment of appropriateness.

At the appropriate juncture

Emphasizes acting at a suitable point in time.

FAQs

How can I use "if and when necessary" in a sentence?

This phrase indicates that an action will only be taken when certain conditions are met and the timing is appropriate. For example, "We will provide additional support "if and when necessary"".

What are some alternatives to "if and when necessary"?

You can use alternatives such as "as needed", "when required", or "only when necessary" depending on the context. Other alternatives could be "when and if needed" or "as circumstances dictate".

Is it redundant to say "if and when necessary"?

While the phrase might seem redundant, "if" emphasizes the condition, and "when" emphasizes the timing. The phrase is grammatically sound, so it is not wrong. Simpler constructions can be used, but the decision to use "if and when necessary" is ultimately up to the writer.

What's the difference between "if necessary" and "if and when necessary"?

"If necessary" indicates a condition that triggers an action, whereas "if and when necessary" specifies both a condition and a suitable time for the action, adding a layer of timing consideration. "If necessary" focuses solely on the need, while "if and when necessary" focuses on both the need and the appropriate time.