this is not compulsory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "this is not compulsory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is optional and not required. Example: "Attendance at the meeting is not compulsory, but we encourage everyone to join if they can."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

This is not compulsory and the driver, who had seven years' previous experience, replied: I would not have broke my neck, but I don't know if it's an advantage to have a seat belt.

The Guardian

Please note that this is not compulsory and only a select few submissions will be reviewed during the class The science of storytelling with Will Storr How to plan your novel and enjoy the writing process Sign up to our newsletter and you'll be among the first to find out about our latest courses and special offers.

The Guardian

Although the government aims towards universal education, this is not compulsory and is hampered by limited resources.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

As part of the NBCSP, participants are encouraged to nominate their usual primary care provider on their participants details form; however, this is not compulsory [ 8].

BMC Public Health

In 2003, the NBC drew up conclusive bioethical recommendations which gave full legitimacy to public advance statements redacted in written form, devoid of any prospect of euthanasia, compiled with the help of a physician, as specific and personalized as possible, and by which the physician should abide even if this is not compulsory [ 19].

BioMed Research International

This is not compulsory!

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

This isn't compulsory – it's just an idea so that people arrive in the right frame of mind for the course.

The Guardian

Arranging pictures in albums makes it easier to search for them, but this isn't compulsory.

WikiHow

This isn't compulsory, but most authors use this to gain the reader's sympathy, and identify with the character.

WikiHow

You may also like to give a summary of all your stories, but they do appear under the 'my stories' tab, so this isn't compulsory, but it's suggested if you need a longer summary.

WikiHow

A spokeswoman for the company confirmed that airport store teams are asked to request and scan boarding cards to ensure the "accurate reporting of VAT", although this was not compulsory.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "this is not compulsory", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being referred to as optional. For example, specify the activity, task, or item that is not mandatory.

Common error

Avoid using "this is not compulsory" when you actually mean something is unnecessary or not recommended. "Compulsory" implies a lack of requirement, whereas "unnecessary" suggests it provides no value.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this is not compulsory" functions as a declarative statement that clarifies the optional nature of something. As Ludwig AI suggests, it's used to indicate that an action or requirement is not mandatory, allowing for choice.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "this is not compulsory" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate that something is optional rather than required. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While common in news, scientific publications and Wiki entries, it is less frequent in other contexts. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding what is being deemed optional and differentiate it from something being unnecessary. Semantically related alternatives include phrases like "this is optional" or "this is not mandatory". The register is neutral to formal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this is optional

Replaces "compulsory" with "optional", directly conveying the same meaning.

this is voluntary

Substitutes "compulsory" with "voluntary", emphasizing the element of choice.

this is not mandatory

Uses "mandatory" instead of "compulsory" maintaining a formal tone.

this is not required

Replaces "compulsory" with "required", indicating a lack of necessity.

this is at your discretion

Shifts the focus to individual choice and decision-making.

this is not obligatory

Employs "obligatory", a more formal synonym for "compulsory".

you are not obliged to do this

Puts the onus on the individual, explicitly stating there's no obligation.

participation is not compulsory

Focuses on the act of participation, clarifying it's not a requirement.

it's up to you

Offers a simpler, more direct way of saying something is optional.

this is not a must

Uses "a must" to convey the opposite of compulsory, indicating it's not essential.

FAQs

What does "this is not compulsory" mean?

The phrase "this is not compulsory" means that something is optional and not required. You have a choice whether or not to do it.

What can I say instead of "this is not compulsory"?

You can use alternatives like "this is optional", "this is voluntary", or "this is not mandatory" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "this isn't compulsory" or "this is not compulsory"?

Both "this isn't compulsory" and "this is not compulsory" are grammatically correct. The contracted form "this isn't compulsory" is more informal, while "this is not compulsory" is slightly more formal but they both mean the same.

When should I use "this is not compulsory" in writing?

Use "this is not compulsory" to clearly indicate that a particular action, task, or item is optional and not a requirement. It's useful in instructions, guidelines, or when providing choices.