or when necessary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "or when necessary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action should be taken at a specific time or under certain conditions, particularly when those conditions arise. Example: "Please review the document regularly, or when necessary, make updates to ensure accuracy."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

This may be modified using the hepatic iron concentration as a guide (or, when necessary, serum ferritin level); if the level is low, chelation may be reduced to 3 4 nights per week, or the dose per infusion reduced, and if it is too high it may be increased to 7 nights per week.

British Journal of Haematology

The Okinawans would accommodate, in other words; or when necessary retreat.

The Economist

The movie people either paid to repair every bit of damage or, when necessary, replaced things, Mrs. Kaneb said.

The New York Times

If the Times becomes too dispirited and defensive, it could lose the self-confident swagger it needs to mount investigations or, when necessary, to challenge powerful interests.

The New Yorker

And it was usually through Mr. O'Byrne that the governor delivered bad news or, when necessary, punishment, earning Mr. O'Byrne more than his share of enemies in Albany.

The New York Times

All three children were homeschooled through second grade, with Badu holding forth in her converted rec room or, when necessary, on her tour bus.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

Then, the random-effects (RE) models were used to evaluate the combined ORs when necessary.

BMC Cancer

Only take over the counter analgesics or painkillers when necessary.

The Guardian

All dutifully followed along with their own cue cards, interjecting a line or two when necessary.

The New Yorker

"They may be more willing to work longer hours (like evenings or weekends) when necessary".

The New York Times

Also, there were those who readily offered advice and an empathetic ear (or shoulder) when necessary.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "or when necessary", ensure the condition that triggers the action is clear from the context. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands when the action should be performed.

Common error

Avoid using "or when necessary" without clearly defining what makes the action 'necessary'. Provide sufficient context so the reader understands the conditions that warrant the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "or when necessary" functions as a conjunctive adverbial phrase. It connects an alternative action or condition, indicating that the subsequent action should only occur under certain circumstances. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

41%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "or when necessary" serves as a useful conjunctive phrase to introduce a conditional alternative. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in scientific and news contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the trigger condition. Consider more formal alternatives like "or as required" in strictly professional writing. Be mindful of the context to guarantee effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

or if necessary

Directly states the condition for performing the action.

or as required

Replaces "when necessary" with a more concise term indicating a condition-dependent action.

or as needed

Similar to "as required", this alternative emphasizes the action is contingent on a specific need.

or only if required

Clearly limits the action to situations where it is essential.

or when appropriate

Emphasizes that the action should be performed when the situation is suitable.

or upon necessity

A more emphatic way of saying "when necessary", stressing the importance of the triggering condition.

or subject to need

Indicates that the action is contingent on the existence of a defined need.

or as circumstances dictate

This alternative highlights that the action depends on the prevailing circumstances.

or where needed

Focuses on performing the action specifically in locations or situations where there is a need.

or conditionally

A more formal way to express that the action is subject to certain conditions.

FAQs

How can I use "or when necessary" in a sentence?

Use "or when necessary" to indicate that an action should be taken only under specific circumstances. For example, "Review the data regularly, or when necessary, update the report".

What are some alternatives to "or when necessary"?

You can use alternatives like "or as needed", "or if required", or "or as circumstances dictate".

Is it better to use "or when necessary" or "if necessary"?

"Or when necessary" is typically used when presenting an alternative to a primary action, while "if necessary" introduces a condition. The best choice depends on the sentence structure and intended meaning.

How formal is the phrase "or when necessary"?

The phrase "or when necessary" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might consider alternatives like "or as required" for a slightly more elevated tone.