it is optional

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is optional" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe something that the person is not obligated to do. For example: "This class assignment is optional, so you do not have to complete it if you do not want to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But for foreign individuals, perhaps its greatest appeal is that it is optional.

The Economist

It seems like it is optional.

The Guardian

But it is optional, and not terribly popular.

The New York Times

Another issue is whether buyers are told it is optional.

The Guardian - Money

GRE is not required for admission, it is optional.

University of California, Berkeley

The advanced protocol is on a voluntary basis and it is optional.

Perspectives in Medicine

Although study is an essential feature in the title, it is optional in the scheme.

The Guardian - Travel

It is optional on the others cars that have 56 horsepower units as stand ard equipment.

The New York Times

In other cases it is optional, but students may find it a useful study tool.

Columbia University

It is optional, depending on the capacity and motivation of the person.

University of California, Berkeley

The HSA extended runtime API can be HSA-approved or vendor-specific, and it is optional for HSA-compliant systems.

Heterogeneous System Architecture A New Compute Platform Infrastructure

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it is optional" to clearly indicate that a particular action, step, or element is not mandatory, providing the audience with a sense of control and flexibility.

Common error

Avoid implying that something is unimportant simply because "it is optional". Clearly communicate the potential benefits or drawbacks of choosing to include or exclude the optional element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is optional" functions as a descriptive statement. It indicates that a particular action, choice, or component is not mandatory and can be chosen or omitted at the discretion of the individual. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

27%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is optional" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is not mandatory. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage in written English. As shown by the examples, it appears frequently in diverse contexts like news, academic papers, and wikis, signaling broad applicability. When using this phrase, ensure that the flexibility it conveys is clear and that potential benefits of the option are also communicated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not required

Focuses on the absence of a mandatory element.

it is voluntary

Highlights the aspect of free will and choice.

it is elective

Emphasizes the possibility of selection.

it is discretionary

Stresses the freedom to decide.

it is up to you

Shifts the decision-making power to the individual.

you can choose to

Directly indicates the possibility of making a choice.

it's a choice

Simplifies the concept to a matter of choosing.

participation is not mandatory

Specifically refers to the absence of mandatory participation.

it is not obligatory

Emphasizes the absence of a binding obligation.

you have the option

Highlights the availability of an alternative or choice.

FAQs

How to use "it is optional" in a sentence?

You can use "it is optional" to indicate that something is not required. For example, "Submitting a cover letter "it is optional", but highly recommended".

What can I say instead of "it is optional"?

You can use alternatives like "it is not required", "it is voluntary", or "it is elective" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is optional" or "it is mandatory"?

Both are correct, but they have opposite meanings. "It is optional" means something is not required, while "it is mandatory" means something is required.

What's the difference between "it is optional" and "the latter is optional"?

"It is optional" refers to a single item or action. "The latter is optional" refers to the second of two items or actions previously mentioned. Thus, the second construction requires a prior reference to something distinct in order to be properly used.