politically convenient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'politically convenient' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation, policy, or action that is beneficial to one or more political parties, but appears to be more neutral or impartial when viewed by the general public. For example, "The Prime Minister's decision to call a snap election was seen as politically convenient, as it gave her party a better chance of securing a majority in Parliament".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Because far from causing the government much political grief, today's strikes by public sector workers are actually rather politically convenient.

BBC

Such conclusions are politically convenient.

The New York Times

Denial, after all, is politically convenient.

The New York Times

The timing is certainly politically convenient.

The New York Times

This is politically convenient, but dangerously misguided.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hence, it has become politically convenient to reverse that move.

The New York Times

He does have a vague and politically convenient concept.

The New York Times

"He didn't make decisions based on whether they were quick or politically convenient – because I was often recommending the quick or politically convenient," Mr. Emanuel said.

The New York Times

The idea that we fall into civilizations, plural, is merely a politically convenient myth.

The New York Times

These tax breaks are merely subsidies under another, politically convenient name.

The New York Times

He believes the deal was politically convenient for the country's two largest parties.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider alternative phrases like "politically expedient" or "advantageous politically" to fine-tune the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "politically convenient" as a blanket criticism without providing specific evidence or reasoning. Substantiate your claim with concrete examples of how the action benefits a particular political agenda.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "politically convenient" functions primarily as an adjective modifier. It describes a noun (often a decision, action, or event) by attributing to it the quality of being advantageous or beneficial from a political perspective. As stated by Ludwig AI, it describes something beneficial to political parties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "politically convenient" is a common and grammatically sound expression, predominantly found in news and media contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes situations or actions that are advantageous for political entities, often implying a prioritization of political gain. While its register is generally neutral, the phrase frequently carries a critical connotation, suggesting that decisions are driven more by political expediency than by objective merit. For nuanced writing, consider alternatives such as "politically expedient" or "advantageous politically". When employing this phrase, ensure clarity regarding who benefits and how, to avoid vague or unsubstantiated accusations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

politically expedient

Similar in meaning, but with a stronger emphasis on immediate practical benefits and potential disregard for long-term consequences.

politically beneficial

Directly states the benefits received in a political context.

advantageous politically

Highlights the advantage gained in the political sphere, without necessarily implying manipulation.

expedient for politicians

Focuses on the benefit to politicians with a slightly stronger connotation of opportunism.

strategic politically

Emphasizes the alignment with a broader political strategy.

opportune for political reasons

Emphasizes the timing and its alignment with political goals.

suitable from a political standpoint

Focuses on the appropriateness of something in a political context.

pragmatic in politics

Highlights the practical nature of a decision within the political arena.

judicious politically

Suggests wisdom and good judgment in a political sense.

politic

A shorter, more formal synonym indicating shrewdness and practicality in political affairs.

FAQs

How can I use "politically convenient" in a sentence?

You can use "politically convenient" to describe actions or decisions that primarily benefit a political party or individual, such as, "The timing of the announcement was "politically convenient" for the incumbent, just before the election".

What are some alternatives to "politically convenient"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you could use alternatives like "politically expedient", "advantageous politically", or "opportune for political reasons".

Is "politically convenient" a negative term?

While not inherently negative, "politically convenient" often carries a connotation of opportunism or prioritizing political gain over other considerations. The context determines whether it's perceived positively or negatively.

What's the difference between "politically convenient" and "politically strategic"?

"Politically convenient" suggests an action is beneficial in the short term for political reasons. "Politically strategic" implies the action is part of a longer-term plan to achieve specific political goals, though it also often overlaps.