is now voluntary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is now voluntary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has changed from being mandatory to being optional. Example: "Participation in the training program is now voluntary, allowing employees to choose whether they want to attend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Certification is now voluntary.

The New York Times

That discussion is now voluntary.

The New York Times

It was 20% back in 1968, but the statutory requirement on banks to maintain a sensible liquidity ratio was abandoned in 1981; it is now voluntary.

The Guardian - Opinion

Although the Kyoto agreement made it a legal responsibility for rich countries to help poor nations, that responsibility is now voluntary and shared between all countries.

The Guardian

During a primary debate in January, he said he would seek a mandatory nationwide program to verify the legal status of all new hires, expanding an existing federal program known as E-Verify, which is now voluntary.

The New York Times

She said the agency was considering an immediate reaction to the Hudson crash: making it mandatory for pilots in the uncontrolled air corridor to announce their location and intentions on a common radio frequency whose use is now voluntary.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He declined to say how many soldiers had been vaccinated, but he said that for soldiers and civilians alike the program was now voluntary.

The New York Times

It would make mandatory many toy safety standards that are now voluntary and as part of that change require that toys be tested in compliance with a comprehensive set of rules.

The New York Times

Most restrictions on children's access to nonnutritious foods in schools are now voluntary, a system that industry groups like the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the American Beverage Association say works very well.

The New York Times

After a stay in the treatment centre, he completed a relapse prevention programme and is now doing voluntary work.

Independent

Murray Melvin joined Littlewood's Theatre Workshop company as a student and is now the voluntary archivist at Theatre Royal Stratford East.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "is now voluntary", clearly state what was previously mandatory to provide context for the change.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating to what the "voluntary" status applies. For example, instead of saying "Registration is now voluntary", specify "Registration for the workshop is now voluntary."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is now voluntary" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a subject by indicating its current state. It signifies that a previously mandatory action, process, or participation has transitioned to being optional. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is now voluntary" serves to communicate a change in status from mandatory to optional. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and general applicability. It is most commonly found in News & Media sources, but also appears in scientific and business contexts. Effective use of "is now voluntary" requires clearly stating what the phrase refers to, thus avoiding ambiguity. Alternatives like "has become optional" or "is now elective" can be used to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has become optional

Replaces 'voluntary' with 'optional', emphasizing the availability of a choice.

is now at one's discretion

Indicates that the decision rests with the individual, highlighting autonomy.

is no longer mandatory

Focuses on the removal of the requirement, directly stating the change in status.

is now elective

Emphasizes the element of choice in selecting whether to participate.

participation is now a choice

Highlights that engaging in something is now a matter of personal decision.

is now non-compulsory

Uses a more formal term ('non-compulsory') to indicate the absence of obligation.

has transitioned to being voluntary

Implies a process of change, indicating a shift from a required to a chosen state.

is now up to the individual

Places the responsibility and freedom of choice firmly on the person involved.

opting in is now possible

Suggests a previous unavailability of choice, with the possibility to join voluntarily being a new development.

is now a matter of preference

Highlights that the decision depends on individual inclinations or desires.

FAQs

How can I use "is now voluntary" in a sentence?

Use "is now voluntary" to indicate that a previously mandatory action or requirement has become optional. For example, "Employee participation in the diversity training is now voluntary".

What can I say instead of "is now voluntary"?

You can use alternatives like "has become optional", "is now elective", or "is no longer mandatory" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is now voluntary" or "has become voluntary"?

Both "is now voluntary" and "has become voluntary" are grammatically correct. "Is now voluntary" describes a current state, while "has become voluntary" emphasizes the change over time.

What's the difference between "is now voluntary" and "is optional"?

"Is now voluntary" suggests a change from a mandatory state, while "is optional" simply indicates that something is not required, without implying a prior mandatory state.