might be expedient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be expedient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when suggesting that a certain action or decision could be advantageous or beneficial in a particular situation. Example: "In light of the recent developments, it might be expedient to reconsider our strategy moving forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Or it might be expedient to restrain wealthy individuals in less-developed countries, where domestic saving was in notably short supply, from sending their funds to high-saving countries.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A sadness for me in this (imagined) scenario would be the loss of my favourite Radio 2 show, Mark Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie at 8pm, but from the BBC's point of view that is an expensive programme which it might be expedient to lose in the current economic climate.

The Guardian

As the advantage in some states has seesawed between Mr. Obama, of Illinois, and Mrs. Clinton, of New York, based in part on the votes of blacks and women, Mrs. Obama typically makes a plea for unity, even when race- or gender-based appeals might be expedient and easy.

The New York Times

Giving up on the public option might be expedient.

Huffington Post

JM: Part of being a leader -- part of this BAM philosophy -- is that you have the courage to do the right thing, regardless of what might be expedient at that particular moment of time.

Huffington Post

These results suggest that the new diploma training programmes are making a difference to occupational roles, and that it might be expedient to introduce different job descriptions for each grade, where applicable.

Human Resources for Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Making him a scapegoat might be politically expedient but it ignores the very tangible progress he has achieved.

The New York Times

Sharp, steerable beams might be an expedient solution to this issue, as they could follow a vehicle along its path.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Google drama aside, Pence's tough talk on China might be politically expedient bluster, but it's not without irony: The Trump administration has repeatedly expressed its outright contempt for a free press, a hallmark of an aggressively restrictive government like China.

TechCrunch

But city officials said they had concluded that while settling small-scale federal lawsuits might have been expedient, it did nothing to discourage lawyers from bringing marginal lawsuits.

The New York Times

With Syria increasingly isolated and facing unprecedented pressure, his father, too, might have found a tactical withdrawal to be expedient.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might be expedient" when suggesting a course of action that is practical and efficient in achieving a specific goal, especially when immediate results are desired.

Common error

Avoid using "might be expedient" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. While grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound overly utilitarian. Consider more nuanced alternatives like "could be beneficial" or "may be advantageous" for a more refined tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be expedient" functions as a modal hedge, suggesting a possibility or potential course of action. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and usable. It serves to propose that a particular action could be advantageous or useful in achieving a specific outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be expedient" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that suggests a potentially advantageous or practical course of action. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, it is advisable to use it judiciously, particularly in highly formal contexts where more nuanced alternatives might be preferable. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media, and scientific publications, indicating a neutral to formal register. When employing this phrase, consider whether it truly reflects the most suitable or ethical approach, or simply the most efficient one. Remember to adapt the phrasing to fit the specific tone and audience of your writing. Common alternatives include "could be advantageous", "may be beneficial" and "could prove useful".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could be advantageous

Replaces "might" with "could", softening the suggestion while retaining the sense of potential benefit.

may be beneficial

Substitutes "expedient" with "beneficial", emphasizing a positive outcome or advantage.

could prove useful

Replaces "expedient" with "useful", highlighting practicality and helpfulness.

might be practical

Focuses on the practicality aspect of the phrase, suggesting a sensible and effective approach.

may be advisable

Replaces "expedient" with "advisable", implying that the action is recommended or sensible.

might be politic

Emphasizes the strategic or diplomatic advantage of the action, implying shrewdness.

could be worthwhile

Suggests that the action has value and is worth the effort or investment.

might serve a purpose

Highlights the functional aspect, indicating that the action could fulfill a specific need.

could be the right move

Presents the action as a potentially correct or strategic decision.

may be the best course

Implies that the action is the most suitable or optimal way forward.

FAQs

How can I use "might be expedient" in a sentence?

You can use "might be expedient" to suggest a course of action that is practical and efficient for achieving a specific goal. For example, "Given the limited time, focusing on the core requirements "might be expedient"".

What are some alternatives to "might be expedient"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "could be advantageous", "may be beneficial", or "could prove useful".

Is "might be expedient" formal or informal?

"Might be expedient" is generally considered neutral to formal. It can be used in news articles, professional reports, and academic papers. Less formal alternatives might be more suitable for casual conversation.

When is it appropriate to use "might be expedient"?

It's appropriate when you want to suggest that something is a practical and efficient way to achieve a goal, often implying that it's not necessarily the ideal or most ethical approach, but it gets the job done. Using alternatives like "might be advisable" would emphasize good judgement rather than plain effectiveness.