it seems expedient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it seems expedient" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that a particular course of action appears to be practical or advantageous in a given situation. Example: "Given the current circumstances, it seems expedient to postpone the meeting until next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

With length and strength in opener's suit, a player should pass on the first round, then overcall in that suit on the next round (if it seems expedient).

The New York Times

Liberal newspapers which dared to question his rumoured wealth and suggest his involvement in political murders all of which he denies have been closed down.Besides promising to free up Iran's heavily state-controlled economy, Mr Rafsanjani has argued for a fresh start in relations with America though he is only too happy to denounce the Great Satan when it seems expedient.

The Economist

It seems expedient that interdisciplinary training settings and other real features of professional life should be increasingly assimilated into medical education for health care students.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It seemed expedient," says Thompson.

The Guardian

Typically, this led to scapegoating groups and individuals whom it seemed expedient to blame for the collapse of a highly-centralised and oracular teaching function, rather than acknowledging systemic failings in the institution itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

That is why it seemed expedient to analyse the residents' individual investment plans, the more so that, according to local governments the hindering of these investment tasks is and will be a source of dissatisfaction and consequent unpopularity of the Natura 2000 programme.

Environmental Management

In view of the progress that has been made in the demonstration of the neurofibrillary changes of the Alzheimer type, it seemed expedient to revise the 1991 staging procedure by introducing immunoreactions for visualization of hyperphosphorylated tau and by adapting the tissue selection and processing to the demands of the routine diagnostic laboratory.

Acta Neuropathologica

The use of nanostructured electrodes in ESD onto an Armco iron substrates seems expedient only for P < 0.23 J.

Surface and Coatings Technology

A simultaneous PET/MR examination seems expedient for neurologic indications and offers a convenient one-stop-shop examination.

Cancer Imaging

While it may seem expedient now to write off Mr. Paladino as a right-wing nut, come election time Mr. Cuomo may regret that strategy.

The New York Times

In such cases it might seem expedient to simply invent a number that supports your cause after all, how could any hotel guest possibly know how many other guests reuse their towels?

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it seems expedient" in formal writing when you want to suggest a course of action that is practical and efficient in achieving a particular goal. Consider the alternatives if you want to express more directly some aspects like advantages or suitability.

Common error

Avoid using "it seems expedient" in casual conversation or informal writing. It may sound overly formal or pretentious in settings where simpler language is more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it seems expedient" functions as a modal expression suggesting that a course of action appears to be the most suitable or advantageous option. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It typically introduces a recommendation or justification for a specific action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it seems expedient" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, primarily suited for formal contexts where a practical and advantageous course of action needs to be suggested. While not frequently encountered in everyday language, it serves as a valuable tool for clear and precise communication in academic, professional, and journalistic settings. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is most appropriate in formal writing. When considering alternative expressions, it's essential to weigh how subtle nuances of meaning impact the overall communication strategy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it seems advantageous

Directly highlights the benefits or positive outcomes.

it seems apt

Emphasizes the relevance and appropriateness of the action in a specific moment.

it seems favorable

Indicates a positive or encouraging outlook, suggesting a good chance of success.

it seems sensible

Emphasizes the rational and logical nature of the action.

it seems appropriate

Changes the focus to suitability or fittingness, rather than practicality.

it seems suitable

Similar to 'appropriate', but emphasizes the match between the action and the situation.

it seems desirable

Emphasizes the attractiveness or appeal of the action.

it seems wise

Highlights the prudence and good judgment behind the action.

it seems purposeful

Highlights the intention or goal-oriented nature of the action.

it seems convenient

Focuses on the ease and efficiency of the action.

FAQs

How can I use "it seems expedient" in a sentence?

You can use "it seems expedient" to suggest that a particular course of action is the most practical or advantageous one in a given situation. For example, "Given the limited time, "it seems expedient" to focus on the core tasks".

What are some alternatives to "it seems expedient"?

Some alternatives to "it seems expedient" include "it seems appropriate", "it seems advantageous", or "it seems sensible". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "it seems expedient"?

"It seems expedient" is most appropriate in formal writing and professional settings where clear and precise language is valued. It is particularly useful when discussing strategic decisions or suggesting efficient solutions.

Is "it seems expedient" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct, "it seems expedient" is not a particularly common phrase in everyday conversation. It is more frequently found in formal writing, academic papers, and business communications.