strictly voluntary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strictly voluntary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that participation in an activity or decision is entirely optional and not mandatory. Example: "The workshop is strictly voluntary, and attendees are encouraged to participate only if they wish to do so."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This is strictly voluntary.

The New York Times

For a start, it is strictly voluntary.

The Economist

Education officials say compliance is strictly voluntary.

The New York Times

Being listed will be strictly voluntary.

The New York Times

But, he said, compliance by surgeons is strictly voluntary.

The New York Times

She stressed that any layoffs would be strictly voluntary.

The New York Times

"It's strictly voluntary," she was told, and nothing was yet being disbursed.

The New Yorker

The fundamental problem is that it is impossible to regulate a strictly voluntary system.

The New York Times

But those regulations had no teeth; it was a strictly voluntary thing.

The New York Times - Health

Mr. Mascali responded, "It is strictly voluntary and we know the program is not for everyone".

The New York Times

Despite bogus reports by the conspiracy-prone, H1N1 immunisation in Massachusetts is strictly voluntary.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strictly voluntary" to clearly communicate that participation is not mandatory and that individuals have the freedom to choose whether or not to be involved. This is particularly important in contexts where there might be perceived pressure to participate.

Common error

Avoid using "strictly voluntary" when there are implicit consequences for non-participation. Even if technically optional, if declining has negative repercussions, it's misleading to describe it as "strictly voluntary".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strictly voluntary" functions as an adjectival modifier, emphasizing the non-compulsory nature of an activity or decision. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it underlines the freedom of choice, asserting that participation is not obligatory.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

38%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "strictly voluntary" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize that participation in something is not mandatory. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to clarify that individuals are free to choose whether or not to engage in a particular activity. Its prevalence across news, scientific, and academic sources underscores its utility in conveying a clear message of non-compulsion. While alternatives like "entirely optional" or "not compulsory" exist, "strictly voluntary" provides a degree of emphasis on the lack of obligation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

entirely optional

Emphasizes the absence of any obligation or requirement to participate.

without obligation

Indicates the absence of any duty or requirement.

not compulsory

Directly states that participation is not required.

completely unforced

Highlights that there is no coercion or pressure involved.

freely chosen

Highlights the element of free choice in the decision.

purely discretionary

Focuses on the freedom to decide based on one's own judgment.

at one's option

Indicates that the decision rests solely with the individual.

wholly volitional

Stresses the role of one's own will in making the choice.

by personal choice

Emphasizes that the action is based on individual preference.

of your own accord

Suggests the action is done willingly and independently.

FAQs

How can I use "strictly voluntary" in a sentence?

You can use "strictly voluntary" to emphasize that participation in something is not required. For example, "Attendance at the meeting is "strictly voluntary", so feel free to join only if you are interested."

What is an alternative to saying "strictly voluntary"?

Alternatives to "strictly voluntary" include "entirely optional", "not compulsory", or "purely discretionary". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "strictly voluntary" redundant?

While "voluntary" alone implies a lack of obligation, adding "strictly" emphasizes this point, clarifying that there is absolutely no pressure or requirement to participate. Therefore, it is not necessarily redundant, but rather adds emphasis.

What's the difference between "strictly voluntary" and "strongly encouraged"?

"Strictly voluntary" means there are no expectations or pressure to participate, while "strongly encouraged" implies a recommendation with some level of expectation. The former emphasizes individual choice, while the latter suggests a preferred action.