it was expedient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was expedient" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing a decision or action that was advantageous or practical in a particular situation. Example: "Although it was a difficult choice, it was expedient to make the change in order to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is not physically correct, but for the purpose of producing our image it was expedient.

Stanford University

She looked with horror on the many Palestinian opportunists and time-servers who betrayed the ideals of the revolution although they brandished them whenever it was expedient.

The Guardian - Books

Mr Justice Vos told the court on Wednesday it was "expedient and proper" that information relating to messages allegedly intercepted by private investigator Glenn Mulcaire should be disclosed.

The Guardian

If they had done this, the story they would have to tell was that he was cast aside because it was expedient to the prime minister's party political interests to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

Both were mass movements, both emerged in the years following World War I in circumstances of political turmoil and economic collapse, both sought to create totalitarian systems after they came to power (and often concealed their totalitarian ambitions beforehand), and both employed terror and violence without scruple when it was expedient to do so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

With this year's news about the ways some unscrupulous colleges make an extra buck off students' naïveté — from loan officers who accepted lenders' kickbacks to schools that got cash incentives to steer students to expensive study-abroad programs — I felt it was expedient to warn my daughter about a big expense that looms before her.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

To determine the OLV range, in which it is expedient to study its impact on the oxidative desulphurisation process.

International Journal of Coal Science & Technology

It is expedient.

The New Yorker

That's not ironic, it's expedient".

The Guardian - Music

We say those things when it's expedient.

The Washington Post

"It's expedient, just like reducing things to my race or my gender.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was expedient" to describe situations where a decision or action was taken for practical reasons or to achieve a specific advantage, even if it wasn't the ideal or morally superior option.

Common error

Avoid using "it was expedient" as a blanket justification for decisions that may be morally questionable. Ensure that the context provides a clear explanation of the practical benefits and consider acknowledging any ethical implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was expedient" functions as a statement of justification or explanation. It suggests that a specific action or decision was made based on its practicality or usefulness in a particular context. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of sources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was expedient" is a grammatically sound and usable expression used to justify past decisions based on practicality and advantage. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread usage across multiple domains. While not exceedingly common, it appears most frequently in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When using the phrase, ensure the context makes the practical reasoning clear and be mindful of potential negative connotations, as this phrase suggest a compromise between different values. Alternatives like "it was advantageous", or "it was practical" can offer slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was advantageous

Emphasizes the benefit or gain obtained from the action.

it was practical

Highlights the feasibility and usefulness of the action in a specific context.

it was beneficial

Focuses on the helpful or favorable nature of the action.

it was opportune

Stresses the timeliness and suitability of the action.

it was advisable

Suggests that the action was a recommended or sensible course of action.

it was politic

Indicates that the action was strategically chosen to avoid conflict or maintain good relations.

it was judicious

Highlights the wisdom and good judgment behind the action.

it was pragmatic

Emphasizes a realistic and practical approach to the situation.

it was in our best interest

Focuses on the action being the most beneficial for the involved party.

it was the most effective course of action

Highlights that the action was the most productive and efficient.

FAQs

What does "it was expedient" mean?

The phrase "it was expedient" means that something was done because it was the most practical or advantageous way to achieve a particular result, even if it wasn't necessarily the best or most ethical option.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was expedient"?

It's appropriate to use "it was expedient" when you want to explain that a decision was made based on practicality and achieving a specific goal, rather than on moral or ideal considerations. Be aware of the potential negative connotations.

What can I say instead of "it was expedient"?

You can use alternatives like "it was advantageous", "it was practical", or "it was beneficial" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it's expedient" interchangeable with "it was expedient"?

No, "it's expedient" refers to something that is currently practical, while "it was expedient" refers to something that was practical in the past. They are used in different tenses.