it is not optional

USAGE SUMMARY

'it is not optional' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something cannot be avoided or not chosen. For example, "Students must attend all classes - it is not optional."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"We believe in lower taxes but it is not optional to pay them," he said.

The Guardian

It is not optional".

SEP

Unlike one anything else, it is not optional that I think of myself as one subject across a variety of experiences (A107).

SEP

Because taking action on DT is a matter of justice, not charity, it is not optional.

Environmental Health: A Global Access Science Source

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Studying the young to understand how this world is changing and how we need to form the world around it isn't optional, it's mission critical.

BBC

But it's not optional.

The New Yorker

John expands on this: "It's not optional.

The Guardian - Business

"IT'S not easy, it's not cheap, and it's not optional".

The Economist

"Judge Walker is saying that FISA and federal statutes like it are not optional," Mr. Eisenberg said.

The New York Times

Plus, not all customers will like the convenience of the auto-billing feature, either – and it's not optional.

TechCrunch

It's not optional but a hard necessity that needs to have been addressed yesterday and will prove increasingly vital to the long-term health of industries that can't afford to be ignored by half the population.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger alternatives like "required", "mandatory", or "essential" if the situation demands a more forceful tone.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "it is not optional" can sound overly formal in casual conversations. Opt for more natural alternatives like "you have to" or "it's a must" to maintain a conversational tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is not optional" functions as a determiner that emphasizes something is required, mandatory or a must and no other choice is possible. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English, indicating it's a valid way to express obligation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it is not optional" is a grammatically sound phrase used to emphasize the obligatory nature of something. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is suitable for formal contexts where clarity and a sense of requirement are important. While commonly found in News & Media and Science sources, ensure its formality aligns with your intended audience. Alternatives like "it is required" or "it is mandatory" can provide similar emphasis with subtle differences in tone. Be mindful of the context, as overusing this phrase in informal settings can sound unnatural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is required

Emphasizes the obligatory nature, focusing on a formal requirement.

it is mandatory

Highlights the compulsory aspect, often due to a rule or law.

it is a must

Indicates something is essential and indispensable.

it is necessary

Stresses the importance and essential nature of the action or item.

it is essential

Highlights the fundamental and critical nature of something.

it is compulsory

Focuses on the enforced aspect of the action or item.

it is obligatory

Stresses the legal or moral duty to perform something.

there is no choice

Highlights the lack of alternatives or options.

it cannot be avoided

Focuses on the inevitability and unavoidable nature of the situation.

it is unavoidable

Emphasizes the impossibility of preventing or escaping the action.

FAQs

How can I use "it is not optional" in a sentence?

Use "it is not optional" to emphasize that something is required or mandatory. For example, "Completing the training program "is not optional" for all new employees".

What can I say instead of "it is not optional"?

You can use alternatives like "it is required", "it is mandatory", or "it is essential" depending on the context.

Is "it is not optional" the same as "it is mandatory"?

While similar, "it is not optional" implies a lack of choice, while "it is mandatory" suggests a rule or law is enforcing the action. The best option is to select the alternative that better fits your context.

When is it appropriate to use "it is not optional"?

"It is not optional" is appropriate in formal settings, legal documents, or situations where you need to stress the obligatory nature of something. Remember to adjust your sentence in accordance to the context you are writing in.