non-mandatory

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "non-mandatory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not required or obligatory. For example, "The company's dress code is non-mandatory."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She told Israeli Army Radio on Monday the police request was non-mandatory but "unacceptable".

The Guardian

Davies's non-mandatory approach is supported by many advocates for advancement of women, although patience is running thin.

The Guardian - Business

A few days after his arrival at Neuse, Lyttle was given a form, Non-Mandatory Consular Notification.

The New Yorker

Businesses argue that non-mandatory targets encourage innovation, adding that raising the bar merely creates a compliance mentality.

The Guardian

Isner had also been scheduled to play at the non-mandatory clay Masters tournament in Monte Carlo, but withdrew.

The New York Times

But the Lords committee did call for non-mandatory targets after five years if little progress had been made towards a more diverse judiciary.

The Guardian

The resolution passed the House of Representatives on Friday, but is the subject of controversy because Republicans tacked on a provision that would defund the non-mandatory elements of the Affordable Care Act.

The Guardian

At over 200 pages, the bill provided for investment in cybersecurity research and development, the creation of public-private exchanges to share cybersecurity information, and non-mandatory regulatory practices for companies to secure computer systems.

The Guardian - Opinion

Canadian francophones are complaining that a new, shorter and non-mandatory census form will leave the government unable to track the size and distribution of the French-speaking minority, thus imperilling its rights.

The Economist

@VictoriaLIVE the young bloke is correct..those who sit there nodding in silence have no idea of real life @18781978efc @VictoriaLIVE The workshop 'I heart consent' is an open forum on a campus issue for all genders, non-mandatory.

Independent

Any reporting has to be non-mandatory and self-identified.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "non-mandatory" to clearly indicate that participation or adherence is not required, leaving room for individual choice or preference.

Common error

Avoid using "non-mandatory" when you mean something is unnecessary. "Non-mandatory" means it's optional, while 'unnecessary' means it serves no purpose. For example, a "non-mandatory" training is still useful even if you don't attend, but an unnecessary step in a process should be removed entirely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "non-mandatory" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate that something is not required or obligatory. Ludwig shows its usage across various domains, supporting its adjectival role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "non-mandatory" is a commonly used adjective that signifies something is not required or obligatory. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently in both scientific and news contexts. Alternatives include "optional" and "voluntary". When using "non-mandatory", ensure you're not confusing it with 'unnecessary'; the former means optional, while the latter means without purpose. Remember, clear and precise language enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not required

Explicitly states the absence of a requirement.

not compulsory

Similar to 'not obligatory', but slightly less formal.

not obligatory

Formal way of saying something is not a must.

optional

Direct synonym indicating something is not required.

non-compulsory

A more formal synonym for non-mandatory.

voluntary

Implies choice and lack of obligation.

discretionary

Suggests the decision is left to individual judgment.

elective

Similar to optional, often used in academic or medical contexts.

at one's option

Emphasizes the individual's choice.

unforced

Highlights the lack of coercion.

FAQs

How can I use "non-mandatory" in a sentence?

You can use "non-mandatory" to describe something that is not required or obligatory. For example, "The company's dress code is "non-mandatory"".

What can I say instead of "non-mandatory"?

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

Which is correct, "non-mandatory" or "unmandatory"?

"Non-mandatory" is the correct term. "Unmandatory" is not a standard or recognized word in English.

What's the difference between "non-mandatory" and "optional"?

While both imply a lack of requirement, "non-mandatory" often refers to rules or procedures, while "optional" can apply more broadly to choices and preferences.