use when necessary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "use when necessary" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should be utilized only in specific situations or when required. Example: "Please keep this tool in your toolbox and use when necessary for repairs."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"He made it clear the government has files on every single journalist, information they can use when necessary," the reporter said.

The Guardian

To ensure availability of spare parts for a production system use, when necessary, there is always a tendency to overstock them.

Applied Mathematical Modelling

Efforts to erase women's health considerations from women's health policy achieved a considerable victory in April 2007, when the Supreme Court for the first time upheld a federal law banning an abortion procedure that contained no exception for its use when necessary to protect a woman's health.

Huffington Post

It is therefore vital for nurses to have the protective equipment at their disposal, for use when necessary.

BMC Nursing

Bring gum or mints and use when necessary.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Force must be used when necessary and in accordance with the Charter, but let us not forget that it is also a battle for values.

Huffington Post

"I think it was clearly held back to be used when necessary.

The Guardian - Business

Appropriate safeguards (eg, urine drug screens, pill counts) may be used when necessary.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings

That doesn't mean that these Texans don't have long memories, which are used when necessary for social one-upsmanship and emotional blackmail.

The New York Times

Logarithm-transformation was used when necessary.

Intensive Care Medicine Experimental

"Air strikes will be used when necessary," he said.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to keep something available, follow "keep [item] handy" with "and "use when necessary"" to clearly communicate that it should only be applied in specific cases and not as a standard practice.

Common error

While understandable, avoid "use when necessary" in highly formal documents. Opt for stronger, more precise verbs that directly convey the intended action and context to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "use when necessary" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates a condition or circumstance under which the action described by the verb should be performed. Ludwig examples show it applied across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role as a conditional modifier.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "use when necessary" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that serves to indicate conditional usage. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase appears across various contexts, particularly in scientific literature, news articles, and general instructions. While it is generally appropriate, consider more formal alternatives in professional writing. When instructing someone, pairing "keep [item] handy" with "and "use when necessary"" will highlight its applicability. Given its straightforward meaning and diverse applications, understanding the contexts for its usage will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

utilize as needed

Replaces "use" with "utilize" and "when necessary" with "as needed", resulting in a slightly more formal tone.

apply if required

Substitutes "use" with "apply" and "when necessary" with "if required", highlighting the conditional aspect.

employ where appropriate

Replaces "use" with "employ" and "when necessary" with "where appropriate", suggesting a judgment-based decision.

implement as circumstances dictate

Substitutes "use" with "implement" and "when necessary" with "as circumstances dictate", emphasizing situational awareness.

leverage when indicated

Replaces "use" with "leverage" and "when necessary" with "when indicated", implying a strategic advantage.

actuate only if needed

Substitutes "use" with "actuate" and "when necessary" with "only if needed", emphasizing activation under specific conditions.

administer when the situation warrants

Replaces "use" with "administer" and "when necessary" with "when the situation warrants", suggesting formal governance.

resort to when unavoidable

Emphasizes that the usage is a last choice when no other choice is possible.

only use if absolutely required

Emphasizes strict conditionality, highlighting essential need for utilization.

exercise discretion in its application

Shifts focus to user's judgment emphasizing thoughtful consideration before applying.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "use when necessary" for a more formal tone?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "utilize as needed", "employ where appropriate", or "implement as circumstances dictate".

Is there a shorter way to say "use when necessary"?

Yes, you can use the phrase "as needed" as a more concise alternative.

What's the difference between "use when necessary" and "use if needed"?

"Use when necessary" and "use if needed" are very similar. "Use when necessary" implies a situational requirement, while "use if needed" suggests a conditional possibility. The difference is subtle and often interchangeable.

In what contexts is it most appropriate to use the phrase "use when necessary"?

The phrase "use when necessary" is suitable in instructions, guidelines, and recommendations where the application of something is contingent on specific circumstances or requirements. It is commonly seen in science, news media, and general instructions.