seems expedient

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "seems expedient" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing a course of action that appears to be practical or advantageous in a given situation. Example: "Given the circumstances, it seems expedient to postpone the meeting until next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

With length and strength in opener's suit, a player should pass on the first round, then overcall in that suit on the next round (if it seems expedient).

The New York Times

Liberal newspapers which dared to question his rumoured wealth and suggest his involvement in political murders all of which he denies have been closed down.Besides promising to free up Iran's heavily state-controlled economy, Mr Rafsanjani has argued for a fresh start in relations with America though he is only too happy to denounce the Great Satan when it seems expedient.

The Economist

The use of nanostructured electrodes in ESD onto an Armco iron substrates seems expedient only for P < 0.23 J.

Surface and Coatings Technology

A simultaneous PET/MR examination seems expedient for neurologic indications and offers a convenient one-stop-shop examination.

Cancer Imaging

It seems expedient that interdisciplinary training settings and other real features of professional life should be increasingly assimilated into medical education for health care students.

BMC Medical Education

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

As a statesman Burghley saw that his duty was to give the Queen his best advice and then to carry out whatever policy seemed expedient to her.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While it may seem expedient now to write off Mr. Paladino as a right-wing nut, come election time Mr. Cuomo may regret that strategy.

The New York Times

Refining his personal control rather than reforming a sclerotic system may seem expedient for Xi, and, in the short term, he may be able to accomplish his immediate goals faster.

The New Yorker

Typically, this led to scapegoating groups and individuals whom it seemed expedient to blame for the collapse of a highly-centralised and oracular teaching function, rather than acknowledging systemic failings in the institution itself.

The Guardian - Opinion

With limitations on available training budgets, it would seem expedient to focus primarily on those tasks falling into the categories of greatest need, especially establishing a relationship with patients, designing systems for patient monitoring/observation, etc., which are essential components of clinical practice.

Human Resources for Health

That is why it seemed expedient to analyse the residents' individual investment plans, the more so that, according to local governments the hindering of these investment tasks is and will be a source of dissatisfaction and consequent unpopularity of the Natura 2000 programme.

Environmental Management

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "seems expedient" when you want to convey that a course of action appears to offer a practical solution or advantage in a specific situation. It suggests a balance between efficiency and effectiveness.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "seems expedient" can sound overly formal in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "seems practical" or "seems best" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "seems expedient" functions as a linking phrase, expressing an assessment or judgment about the practicality or advisability of something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it suggests a course of action that appears beneficial or efficient in a particular context. Its use indicates a reasoned evaluation rather than a definitive declaration.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "seems expedient" is a phrase used to indicate that a particular action or approach appears to be practical and advantageous. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English, although relatively rare. It is most commonly found in scientific and news media contexts. When writing, be aware of its formal tone and consider more informal alternatives like "appears practical" in casual settings. While the phrase is correct to use, be aware that there are similar phrases like "appears practical" that can replace it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

appears practical

Replaces "seems expedient" with a more direct and straightforward assessment of practicality.

appears advantageous

Focuses on the benefit or advantage that something offers, similar to expediency.

appears advisable

Indicates that something is recommended or sensible, implying a degree of careful consideration.

appears prudent

Suggests that something is wise and cautious, emphasizing foresight and good judgment.

looks sensible

A more informal way of saying something appears to be a reasonable course of action.

sounds reasonable

Similar to "looks sensible" but emphasizes the logical or rational aspect.

seems appropriate

Focuses on the suitability of something for a particular purpose or situation.

presents as viable

Highlights the feasibility and potential for success of a particular option.

is seemingly beneficial

Emphasizes the apparent benefit, adding a layer of indirectness.

suggests a practical approach

Shifts the focus to the approach itself, framing it as practical.

FAQs

How can I use "seems expedient" in a sentence?

Use "seems expedient" to suggest that a particular action appears to be the most practical or advantageous option in a given situation. For example, "Given the limited resources, postponing the project "seems expedient"."

What are some alternatives to "seems expedient"?

Alternatives include "appears practical", "appears advantageous", or "appears advisable" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "seems expedient" or "is expedient"?

"Seems expedient" indicates an apparent or perceived practicality, while "is expedient" asserts it as a fact. Use "seems expedient" when you're expressing an opinion or judgment rather than a definitive statement.

In what contexts is "seems expedient" most appropriate?

"Seems expedient" is suitable for formal writing and discussions where you want to suggest a course of action is practical and efficient. It is often used in business, academic, and news contexts.