Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
upon necessity
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"upon necessity" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You would use this phrase to refer to a situation in which something must be done due to an urgent or pressing need. For example, "The doctor performed surgery upon necessity in order to save the patient's life."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Academia
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
6 human-written examples
[The law] insists upon necessity and proportionality.
News & Media
For "found", read "stumbled upon"; necessity was the mother of invention against Iraq.
News & Media
A substantial majority considered interventional biopsies in the augmented breast basically feasible and would only occasionally and upon necessity resort to open procedures.
Science
Like this, up-cycling in families fostered productive spending upon necessity and subjectivity, not following the image made by others or society.
Science
And they showed negative opinion in repeated making of unnecessary product, as they practice only a simple method by 'having materials', 'with limitation in making', rather than practicing of up-cycling upon necessity.
Science
Normally these genes remain unexpressed but expressed upon necessity.
Science
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
54 human-written examples
An award for the loss of enjoyment of life "cannot provide [such a victim] with any consolation or ease any burden resting on him * * * He cannot spend it upon necessities or pleasures.
Academia
Emphasis is placed upon the necessity for co-ordinating human and plant nutrition.
Science & Research
A rationalist, he insisted upon the necessity of supporting any theory with concrete evidence and experimental proof.
Encyclopedias
While he sincerely believes it to be an "act of justice warranted by the Constitution," he issues it "upon military necessity".
News & Media
"Sir, Everyone seems to agree upon the necessity of putting a stop to Suffragist outrages; but no one seems certain how to do so.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "upon necessity" in formal contexts where you want to emphasize the unavoidable nature of an action due to pressing circumstances. This phrase adds a layer of gravity and justification to the action.
Common error
Avoid using "upon necessity" in casual or informal writing. The phrase can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation or writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "when needed" or "out of necessity" in these situations.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "upon necessity" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the reason or condition under which an action is performed. It serves to emphasize the imperative nature of the action due to unavoidable circumstances. Ludwig confirms its usability.
Frequent in
Science
40%
News & Media
35%
Academia
25%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "upon necessity" is a prepositional phrase used to emphasize the unavoidable reason behind an action. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in formal English. While not frequently used, it is most commonly encountered in scientific, academic and news contexts. For more informal settings, alternatives such as ""out of necessity"" may be more appropriate. Using "upon necessity" correctly involves understanding its formal tone and employing it strategically to convey the compelling nature of a particular situation.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
out of necessity
Emphasizes the driving force behind an action is purely need.
due to necessity
Highlights that something occurs as a direct consequence of a need.
as a necessity
Focuses on the obligatory nature of something.
when necessary
Indicates timing is dictated by need.
if needed
Suggests a contingency based on requirement.
because it's essential
Replaces "necessity" with "essential", changing the sentence structure.
when circumstances require
Replaces "necessity" with a description of enabling conditions.
as a last resort
Highlights that an action is taken when all other options have been exhausted.
under compulsion
Implies an action is forced or required.
of vital importance
Shifts the focus to the significance of something.
FAQs
How can I use "upon necessity" in a sentence?
You can use "upon necessity" to indicate that an action is being taken because it is absolutely required. For example, "The doctor performed the surgery "out of necessity" to save the patient's life."
What are some alternatives to "upon necessity"?
Alternatives to "upon necessity" include phrases such as ""out of necessity"", "due to necessity", or "when necessary", depending on the specific context.
Is "upon necessity" formal or informal?
"Upon necessity" is generally considered a formal phrase, more suitable for academic, legal, or other serious writing than for casual conversation.
Can "upon necessity" and "out of necessity" be used interchangeably?
While "upon necessity" and ""out of necessity"" have similar meanings, "upon necessity" carries a slightly stronger emphasis on the compelling nature of the need. Choose the phrase that best fits the tone and context of your writing.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested