it is voluntary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is voluntary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that participation or action is not mandatory and is based on personal choice. Example: "Participation in the survey is entirely voluntary, and you can choose to opt out at any time."

✓ Grammatically correct

General Usage

Legal Contexts

Business Communications

Health Discussions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

However, as with many international agreements, one of the Code's major weaknesses is that it is voluntary in nature to its signatories.

Global Health Action

"It is voluntary.

The New York Times

It is voluntary and uncoerced.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But it is voluntary.

The Guardian

That's one reason it is voluntary.

The New York Times - Magazine

In New York, it is voluntary.

The New York Times - Health

But Joey loves it, and it is voluntary.

The New York Times

It is voluntary: employers aren't required to provide retirement benefits.

The New York Times

It is voluntary, said Linda Foglia, a state prison spokeswoman.

The New York Times

A significant aspect of the pledge is that it is voluntary.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Worse, it is voluntary and only a few hospitals are participating.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing programs or agreements, clarify that participation is truly voluntary by stating the lack of penalties for non-participation. This builds trust and encourages genuine interest rather than forced compliance.

Common error

Avoid using language that suggests an expectation or pressure to participate, even when stating that something is "voluntary". Overly enthusiastic encouragement can inadvertently create a sense of obligation, undermining the voluntary nature of the activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is voluntary" functions as a declarative statement indicating that an action, participation, or agreement is not compulsory. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use across diverse fields to clarify the optional nature of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Science

25%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it is voluntary" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that participation or action is optional and not mandatory. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase appears frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While generally neutral, it's crucial to avoid language that implies obligation, even when clarifying the voluntary nature of something. Understanding and using this phrase correctly ensures clarity and respects individual autonomy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is optional

Focuses on the lack of requirement.

it is not mandatory

Directly states the absence of a requirement.

it is not compulsory

Reiterates the absence of obligation.

it is elective

Implies a choice among several options.

it is discretionary

Emphasizes the freedom to decide.

it is non-obligatory

Formally states the absence of a requirement.

it is a choice

Highlights that participation is a decision made by the individual.

it is up to you

Places the decision-making responsibility directly on the individual.

participation is uncoerced

Highlights the lack of external pressure.

it is at one's discretion

More formal way of saying it's up to the individual's judgment.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "it is voluntary"?

When something "it is voluntary", it means participation is optional and based on individual choice, without any compulsion or mandatory requirement.

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

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

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

These phrases have opposite meanings. "It is voluntary" means participation is optional, while "it is mandatory" means it is required.

How to ensure that something truly "it is voluntary"?

Clearly communicate that there are no negative consequences for choosing not to participate, and avoid any language or actions that could create pressure to join.