optionally

USAGE SUMMARY

'optionally' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is optional or not required, meaning that it may or may not be done. For example, "You may optionally add nuts to the muffin batter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whorf himself saw that it was only obligatory features of languages that established "mental patterns" or "habitual thought" (Whorf 1956: 139), since if it were optional then the speaker could optionally do it one way or do it the other way.

SEP

Like BBM, iMessage also confirms delivery and optionally allows notice of a text being read.All this means that, as often with Apple's products, iMessage may prove even more disruptive.

The Economist

The second release of HTTPS Everywhere can optionally add another layer of obfuscation by hopping on a TOR connection to submit certificates and query the EFF for results.

The Economist

An /r/ can be optionally retained as the final member of a conjunct, and it is also sometimes substituted for the final (non-/-r/) member of a conjunct.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In most games the lowest possible hand is 7-5-4-3-2 in two or more suits, but in some games the ace may optionally be treated as the lowest card and thereby make 6-4-3-2-A 6-4-3-2-A 6-4-3-2-A 6-4-3-2-A 6-4-3-2-Alowestheair.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The future is expressed by a particle tha (from earlier thé[o] na '[I] want to') followed by a finite verb e.g., tha grápho 'I will write.' Formally, the finite forms of the verb (those with personal endings) consist of a stem + (optionally) the perfective aspect marker (-s- in active, -th- in passive) + personal ending (indicating person, tense, mood, voice).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The yad is used optionally in liturgical services to indicate the place that is being read on a Torah (biblical) scroll, thus eliminating the necessity of touching the sacred manuscript with the hand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The address contains three elements: the type of protocol used to access the file (e.g., HTTP for a Web page, ftp for an FTP site); the domain name or IP address of the server where the file resides; and, optionally, the pathname to the file (i.e., description of the file's location).

Encyclopedia Britannica

In The Unanswered Question (composed before 1908), a string quartet or string orchestra repeats simple harmonies; placed apart from them, a trumpet reiterates a question-like theme that is dissonantly and confusedly commented upon by flutes (optionally with an oboe or a clarinet).

Encyclopedia Britannica

An unusually handsome machine with sleek lines, it has the expected estate-car features, including a large and flat load bay which optionally contains a "U-rail" system in which a pair of posts is joined by telescopic bars.

Independent

So far, so handsome, and there's a similarly good-looking estate car to come later this year which has wraparound rear lights and, optionally, a powered tailgate.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "optionally", ensure it's clear what element is optional. Ambiguity can lead to confusion; be specific in your sentence construction.

Common error

Avoid using "optionally" when the choice is not truly optional but rather depends on certain conditions. In such cases, clarify the conditions instead of using "optionally".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "optionally" is to serve as an adverb, modifying a verb or clause to indicate that an action or element is not required. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and applicability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "optionally" functions as an adverb to indicate that something is not mandatory. Ludwig AI confirms that the adverb is grammatically correct and commonly used in various reliable sources, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using "optionally", ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity regarding what is truly optional. Alternatives like "if desired" or "not required" can also be used depending on the context. Remember, according to Ludwig, the goal is to ensure the reader understands that a particular step, feature, or component is available but not compulsory.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if desired

This clarifies that the action or element is only included if the person wants it.

if so desired

Similar to "if desired", but slightly more formal.

on a voluntary basis

This phrase emphasizes the willingness of someone to do something without being forced.

not required

Directly states that something isn't compulsory.

at one's discretion

Highlights that the decision is left to the individual's judgment.

subject to preference

Indicates that the inclusion or execution of something depends on the person's preferences.

as an alternative

This suggests there are other choices available, and this is one of them.

it is up to you

This alternative clearly says that the choice is yours.

by choice

Emphasizes that the action is done because someone chooses to do it.

at the user's convenience

Highlights that the action can be performed whenever it suits the user best.

FAQs

How can I use "optionally" in a sentence?

Use "optionally" to indicate that something is not required. For example, "You can "optionally" include a profile picture when you create your account".

What are some alternatives to using "optionally"?

You can use alternatives like "if desired", "not required", or "at your discretion" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to use "optionally"?

No, "optionally" is useful when you want to explicitly state that something is not mandatory. If the context already implies it, using "optionally" might be redundant.

Which is correct, "optionally include" or "include optionally"?

"Optionally include" is generally preferred as it places the emphasis on the optional nature of the inclusion. "Include optionally" is less common but not grammatically incorrect.