when absolutely essential

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when absolutely essential" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should only be done if it is necessary and cannot be avoided. Example: "The use of personal devices in the office should be limited to when absolutely essential for work-related tasks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Interviews would be done "only when absolutely essential to establishing the bona fides" of Mr. Cicero.

The New York Times

In 1994, a committee of the International Association of Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior (IAVCEI) urged, among other advice, that meeting-related fieldtrips not visit hazardous areas, that active craters be approached only when absolutely essential, and that everyone wear hardhats and protective clothing.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

They support research on animals only when it's absolutely essential.

Independent

There is usually a hint of disdain about his strokeplay: footwork is minimalist; he scampers between the wickets but only when that is absolutely essential and he possesses an ability to time the ball that is breathtaking.

The Guardian - Sport

The emphasis on the natural had impacts on aspects of farm management, for example feed additives were avoided and vaccines only used when it was absolutely essential, for example, "I'm not ill-disposed to a feed additive.

Life Sciences, Society and Policy

Since the December attack, she doesn't go out except when it's absolutely essential, even with male friends, and has dialed down her social life to near zero.

Los Angeles Times

I personally find Foursquare absolutely essential when I'm away from home, and nearly useless when I'm there.

TechCrunch

It became absolutely essential when the field officials totally missed the shot from England's Frank Lampard that hit the crossbar and bounced close to two feet inside the goal.

The New York Times - Sports

While there is no doubt that consistency is absolutely essential when it comes to discipline, it feels impossible that such unwavering rules can be applied consistently for every child, in every situation and every contravention.

The Guardian

Protected time will remain important throughout your career, but it is absolutely essential when you are getting started.

Science Magazine

For many people, it's absolutely essential when trying to get through those lowest ebbs.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when absolutely essential" to clearly communicate that an action should be reserved for situations where it is truly unavoidable and necessary, avoiding overuse or unnecessary application.

Common error

Avoid using "when absolutely essential" too frequently, as it can lose its impact. Reserve it for situations that genuinely warrant this level of restriction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when absolutely essential" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb or clause, specifying the condition under which the action should occur. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when absolutely essential" serves as an adverbial modifier, restricting an action to critical and unavoidable situations. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for various contexts. While examples are rare, its usage spans from news and media to scientific writing, indicating versatility. When writing, consider using alternatives like "only when strictly necessary" to adjust the emphasis, but always ensure the context genuinely warrants the restriction conveyed by "when absolutely essential".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only when strictly necessary

Emphasizes the condition of strict necessity.

if and only if essential

Highlights the bi-conditional nature of the requirement.

solely when indispensable

Replaces 'essential' with 'indispensable' to amplify its significance.

just when critically needed

Focuses on the critical nature of the need.

merely if unavoidable

Shifts the focus to the unavoidable nature of the situation.

exclusively when required

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the condition.

contingent on crucial need

Highlights the contingency of the action on a crucial need.

when there's no alternative

Expresses the lack of other options, implying necessity.

as a last resort

Indicates that the action should only be taken when all other options have been exhausted.

under dire circumstances

Specifies that the action is only appropriate in very serious or urgent situations.

FAQs

How can I use "when absolutely essential" in a sentence?

Use "when absolutely essential" to specify conditions under which something should be done, implying it's a last resort. For example, "Interviews would be done only "when absolutely essential" to establishing the bona fides".

What are some alternatives to "when absolutely essential"?

Alternatives include "only when necessary", "if absolutely required", or "solely when indispensable". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it redundant to say "absolutely essential"?

While "essential" already implies necessity, using "absolutely essential" emphasizes the critical importance and lack of alternatives. It's acceptable when you want to strengthen the condition.

What's the difference between "when necessary" and "when absolutely essential"?

"When necessary" implies a general need, while ""when absolutely essential"" indicates that the need is critical, unavoidable, and should only be addressed as a last resort.