if expedient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if expedient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing whether an action should be taken based on its practicality or suitability in a given situation. Example: "The committee will decide to proceed with the project if expedient, considering the current budget constraints."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This enables the party, if expedient, to resist demands that it commit itself without reservation to the policies urged by any particular extremist element.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If this expedient will not apply, however, the questioner is not quite helpless.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"John is nothing if not expedient," said Elaine La Roche, a former Morgan Stanley executive who was one of the first women partners at the firm.

The New York Times

At the same time, one may wonder if this expedient secures empirical adequacy at the expense of normative appeal.

SEP

During the second part of the work, the results obtained are discussed, consistently showing that, if some expedients are adopted, this simple refrigerator can achieve a temperature difference of 24 °C.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

In the second part of the work, the results obtained are discussed, consistently showing that, if some expedients are adopted, this simple refrigerator can achieve a temperature difference of 24°C.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

The innocence of music is for many an article of faith, if often an expedient one.

The New York Times - Arts

Fingerprinting is an expedient if you're doing something considered to be low-level, like identifying Chinese immigrants.

The New York Times

With length and strength in opener's suit, a player should pass on the first round, then overcall in that suit on the next round (if it seems expedient).

The New York Times

According to the unspoken rules of the business, the person you had dinner with last night might, if it is expedient, cut you dead at a fashion show the following morning.

The New York Times

If such an expedient had been devised sooner all the historic buildings, now gone forever, might still be enjoyed; Penn Station, the Aquarium, the Bank of N. Y., the Wendell and the Vanderbilt and the Brokaw mansions, the Empire Theatre, the ballroom of the old Ritz, the Murray Hill Bar, the Mark Twain House, the Brevoort, the Lafayette, the Claremont Inn, and Central Park Casino.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "if expedient" when you want to indicate that an action should only be taken if it is the most practical or advantageous option in a given situation. It implies a focus on efficiency and effectiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "if expedient" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "if it works" or "if it's easier" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if expedient" functions as a conditional clause, introducing a circumstance under which an action or decision becomes valid or appropriate. Ludwig provides examples showing how it modifies the main clause, setting a condition based on practicality or convenience.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if expedient" is a conditional phrase used to express that an action should be taken only if it's the most practical or advantageous option. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While versatile, remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in informal settings where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. When aiming for precision and a touch of formality, "if expedient" is an excellent choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it is practical

Focuses on the practicality of the action.

if it is suitable

Emphasizes the appropriateness of the action.

if circumstances allow

Highlights the role of external conditions.

should it be necessary

Introduces a condition based on necessity.

when appropriate

Indicates timing based on suitability.

if deemed advisable

Suggests a condition based on recommendation.

if it seems wise

Highlights judgment as the deciding factor.

in the event that it's beneficial

Focuses on the potential benefits of the action.

assuming it is advantageous

Poses a condition based on advantageousness.

provided it is useful

States a condition based on usefulness.

FAQs

How can I use "if expedient" in a sentence?

You can use "if expedient" to introduce a condition based on practicality or suitability. For example, "The team will implement the new strategy "if expedient", considering the market conditions".

What phrases are similar to "if expedient"?

Alternatives include "if it is practical", "if it is suitable", or "when appropriate", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "if expedient" formal or informal?

"If expedient" is generally considered a formal phrase. It's more appropriate for professional or academic writing than for casual conversation. Use alternatives like "if it's easier" in informal settings.

What is the difference between "if expedient" and "if necessary"?

"If expedient" implies practicality and efficiency, suggesting the action is the most advantageous option. "If necessary" suggests the action is required or essential to achieve a goal. Expediency focuses on convenience and benefit, while necessity focuses on requirement.