is strictly necessary

USAGE SUMMARY

'is strictly necessary' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something must be done or obtained in order to achieve a desired result or goal. For example: "Completing this coursework is strictly necessary in order to pass the class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Popular opinion states, however, that neither is strictly necessary in this basic version.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not even if it involves more papier mâché than is strictly necessary.

Independent

On and on she goes, longer than is strictly necessary, grinding her teeth and growling like Muttley.

The Guardian - Film

Far better to lay down broad goals and prescribe only what is strictly necessary to achieve them.

The Economist

Moreover, animals often seem to groom each other for far longer than is strictly necessary to keep their fur pristine.

The Economist

I've been out with people who've made me watch Grease more times than is strictly necessary (which is zero times, incidentally).

The Guardian - Film

He casually quotes Bob Dylan and uses boomer-speak more often than is strictly necessary, as in: "I was messed up, man" and "You're stuck, dude".

The New York Times

I look sinister when I grin, like I'm secretly defecating in my trousers and enjoying the warm glow more than is strictly necessary.

The Guardian - Opinion

Simon Hoggart is one of my oldest friends, so I try not to say "Simon is right" more than is strictly necessary.

The Guardian

The regulations do not require user consent where the cookie is "strictly necessary" to allow the website to provide a service – for example, adding to online shopping baskets.

The Guardian

There's more here than is strictly necessary about things like the particulars of Sills's run as chairwoman of the Metropolitan Opera.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is strictly necessary", ensure that the context clearly defines what the necessity is and why it is indispensable. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "is strictly necessary" in simple sentences where a more direct word like "needed" or "required" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or verbose.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is strictly necessary" functions as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something is indispensable or absolutely required. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It emphasizes the crucial nature of something in achieving a specific outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is strictly necessary" is a grammatically correct phrase used to emphasize the indispensable nature of something. Ludwig AI indicates that its usage is appropriate across a variety of contexts. Predominantly found in scientific and news-related content, it conveys that a certain action, condition, or resource is not merely advisable but absolutely essential. To avoid overuse and maintain clarity, consider more direct alternatives like "needed" or "required" in simpler contexts. The phrase's formality makes it suitable for professional and academic writing, as it provides a precise and emphatic way to convey importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is absolutely essential

Emphasizes the complete and undeniable necessity, intensifying the requirement.

is utterly indispensable

Highlights that something is impossible to do without, focusing on its crucial role.

is completely unavoidable

Focuses on the inevitability and necessity, emphasizing that it cannot be escaped or prevented.

is vitally important

Stresses the high importance and essential nature of something.

is fundamentally required

Indicates a basic and essential requirement, underlining its core importance.

is essentially needed

Emphasizes that something is needed in its essence or core nature.

is critically important

Highlights the criticality and importance of something, often in a time-sensitive manner.

is crucial

Short and direct way of indicating that something is extremely important and necessary.

is imperative

Conveys a strong sense of urgency and necessity, indicating a command or essential action.

is a must

Informal and concise way of expressing that something is obligatory or essential.

FAQs

How can I use "is strictly necessary" in a sentence?

You can use "is strictly necessary" to emphasize the essential nature of something for a specific purpose. For example, "Completing the safety training is strictly necessary to operate the machinery."

What are some alternatives to "is strictly necessary"?

Alternatives include "is absolutely essential", "is vitally important", or "is crucial". The best choice depends on the specific context and the level of emphasis you want to convey.

Is "is strictly necessary" formal or informal?

"Is strictly necessary" is generally considered a formal phrase, suitable for professional, academic, or official contexts. For more informal situations, simpler terms like "needed" or "required" might be more appropriate.

How does "is strictly necessary" differ from "is necessary"?

The addition of "strictly" intensifies the sense of necessity, emphasizing that the requirement is not just advisable but absolutely essential and without exception. "Is necessary" is a more general statement of need, while "is strictly necessary" indicates a non-negotiable requirement.