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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
was as needed
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "was as needed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was provided or done according to the requirements or necessity at a particular time. Example: "The support from the team was as needed during the project, ensuring everything went smoothly."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Wiki
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
1 human-written examples
Locksley said Jacobs was "as needed" on Saturday, and with the team trailing and needing to make plays in the passing game, the Terps turned to him.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
British involvement in the European project is as needed as it ever was.
News & Media
Pink, saccharine princess books are even more rife now, meaning authors such as Cole are as needed as ever.
News & Media
This is as needed as it is complicated and demanding.
News & Media
She added, later, "There is no hospital right now that is as needed as Brookdale".
News & Media
Install on numerous PC's, as needed.
Wiki
In these trials, nalmefene posology was as-needed, in line with its indication.
Science
Pharmaceutical manufacturers were queried and information was requested as needed.
Analgesics were prescribed to be taken as needed.
Science
The seedlings were watered as needed, no fertilizer was added.
Science
Sterile nutrient solution was applied as needed.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "was as needed" to clearly indicate that something was only provided or done when a specific requirement or necessity arose. This avoids assumptions of constant or unnecessary provision.
Common error
Avoid using "was as needed" when the context already implies conditionality. For instance, saying "assistance was provided was as needed" is redundant; simply "assistance was provided" is sufficient.
Source & Trust
81%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "was as needed" functions as a modifier, specifying the circumstances under which an action occurred or a resource was provided. Ludwig shows it commonly indicates conditionality or contingency.
Frequent in
Science
43%
News & Media
35%
Wiki
7%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Reference
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "was as needed" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates something was provided or done only when required. Ludwig AI affirms its usability across various registers, particularly in scientific and news contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure that the context genuinely implies conditionality and avoid redundancy. Alternative phrases such as "was only necessary when required" or "was administered when required" can add nuance to your writing.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
was only necessary when required
Emphasizes the conditionality and restriction of the action to situations where it's strictly necessary.
was provided on an as-needed basis
Highlights the provision aspect and its dependence on specific needs or requests.
was administered when required
Focuses on the act of administering something based on necessity.
was implemented only if necessary
Stresses the conditional implementation of something, avoiding unnecessary actions.
was used as required
Similar to the original phrase but replaces "needed" with "required", offering a slight variation in wording.
was supplied according to need
Emphasizes the act of supplying based on individual or situational needs.
was available on demand
Highlights the immediate availability of something when requested or needed.
was furnished when necessary
Uses "furnished" to describe the act of providing something when it's essential.
was actioned only when essential
Stresses the action being taken only under essential or critical circumstances.
was triggered by necessity
Focuses on the necessity as the cause or trigger for something to happen.
FAQs
How can I rephrase the sentence 'The therapy was administered as needed'?
You could say, 'The therapy was administered "when required"', 'The therapy was given "on an as-needed basis"', or 'Therapy was only administered "if necessary"'.
What does 'as needed' mean in a medical context?
In a medical context, 'as needed' typically refers to medication or treatment that should be administered only when symptoms occur or worsen, rather than on a fixed schedule. An example could be, "Pain medication "was given as needed" for discomfort".
Is it more appropriate to use 'as needed' or 'as required'?
Both 'as needed' and 'as required' are appropriate and often interchangeable. 'As needed' might be seen as slightly more informal, while 'as required' may sound more formal or official. For example, 'Assistance "was provided as needed"' vs. 'Assistance "was provided as required"'.
What's the difference between 'as needed' and 'when necessary'?
'As needed' implies that something is provided or done in response to a specific, often recurring, requirement. 'When necessary' simply indicates that something is done only if it's essential. For instance, "The resource "was allocated as needed"" suggests a system in place, while "The resource was allocated "when necessary"" implies a more ad hoc decision.
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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
81%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested