optional but highly recommended

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'optional but highly recommended' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you wish to emphasize that something is optional for a person to do, but it is highly recommended that they do it anyway. For example: "Attendance to optional seminars is optional but highly recommended to get the full benefit from the course."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

The sections are optional but highly recommended.

Stanford University

BLAS and Lapack implementation - Optional, but highly recommended.

Stanford University

Optimize the adjacency matrices using any valid graph-theoretic method (optional, but highly recommended);   5.

Journal of Cheminformatics

In addition, 3 30-4 30PM each day will be available for optional, but highly recommended, work time with instructional consultants.

Duke University

Take the union of the set of systems of identities of isotopic labeling states; Partition the resulting set by the number of isotopic atoms per identity; Represent each partition as an adjacency matrix; Optimize the adjacency matrices using any valid graph-theoretic method (optional, but highly recommended); Formulate the flux balance equation for each adjacency matrix.

Journal of Cheminformatics

-packing:linmem_ig 10    optional but highly recommended.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

This is an optional step but highly recommended.

WikiHow

(optional) Microwave honey for about 5 seconds (This is not necessary but highly recommended. Not microwaved honey will not spread as evenly) It should be runny.

WikiHow

This is voluntary but HIGHLY recommended.

Duke University

Recitations (discussion periods with a teaching assistant) are optional, but are highly recommended.

Columbia University

Scoring is optional, though highly recommended.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "optional but highly recommended", ensure the context clearly explains why the optional action is beneficial. Provide specific reasons or advantages to encourage the reader to consider it.

Common error

Avoid using this phrase when the action is truly essential. If the outcome is significantly compromised without the "optional" step, re-evaluate whether it should be optional at all. Misusing the phrase can dilute its meaning and reduce its impact when genuinely useful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "optional but highly recommended" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or action. It indicates that the subject is not mandatory but is strongly advisable. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

Academia

29%

News & Media

18%

Less common in

Science

12%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "optional but highly recommended" serves as a valuable tool for suggesting actions that offer significant benefits without being compulsory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, including academia, wikis, and news outlets. While "optional", it emphasizes a strong suggestion that can enhance outcomes or understanding. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the benefits and avoid overstating its importance when the action is, in fact, essential. Alternative phrases like "recommended but not required" or "strongly advised" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strongly advised, but optional

Reorders the phrase to emphasize the advice more strongly.

highly encouraged, though optional

Swaps "recommended" with "encouraged", adding a slightly different tone.

recommended but not required

Reverses the emphasis, highlighting the recommendation less strongly.

suggested, though not mandatory

Uses "suggested" instead of "recommended", softening the advice.

not obligatory but advisable

Replaces common words with more formal synonyms.

encouraged, but not compulsory

Emphasizes the encouragement, making the choice more apparent.

a good idea, though not essential

Presents the advice as a simple, practical suggestion.

advantageous, but not mandatory

Focuses on the potential benefits of following the advice.

beneficial, but not required

Highlights the positive impact of taking the suggested action.

not a must, but a plus

Uses informal language to convey the idea.

FAQs

How to use "optional but highly recommended" in a sentence?

Use "optional but highly recommended" to suggest an action that is not mandatory, but beneficial to take. For example: "Attending the pre-conference workshop is "optional but highly recommended" to familiarize yourself with the software."

What can I say instead of "optional but highly recommended"?

You can use alternatives like "recommended but not required", "strongly advised", or "suggested but not mandatory" depending on the context.

Is it redundant to say something is "optional but highly recommended"?

While seemingly contradictory, "optional but highly recommended" clarifies that an action is not mandatory, yet offers significant benefits if undertaken. The phrase is used to emphasize its helpfulness while respecting individual choice.

When is it appropriate to use "optional but highly recommended"?

It's appropriate when an action improves outcomes, provides additional advantages, or enhances understanding, but isn't strictly necessary for achieving a basic level of functionality or completion. For example, "Using a specific brand for your product is "optional but highly recommended", as it is superior in quality compared to others".