when it becomes necessary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when it becomes necessary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate a condition or situation that requires action or change at a future point in time. Example: "We will implement the new policy when it becomes necessary to address the ongoing issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

What's going to force action is when it becomes necessary to raise some revenue.

Stanford University

They have a board that monitors their performance and changes fund managers when it becomes necessary.

The Guardian - Money

Do we not pay that much and more to have our family dogs put down when it becomes necessary?

The New York Times

Their bond comes in handy when it becomes necessary to make adjustments in the middle of a meet.

The New York Times - Sports

"There comes a time in the life of every family," he'd said, "when it becomes necessary to acquire a large freezer".

The New Yorker

Deciding what to go with depends on aesthetics, budget and how much work one is willing to take on when it becomes necessary to seal the house.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

16 human-written examples

When it became necessary, his group burned its abandoned wagons, then moved on and built a state.

The Economist

The reality of doing it, when it became necessary, was actually surprisingly straightforward.

The Guardian - Opinion

When it became necessary to travel light, he conspicuously discarded his gold watch, gold lighter and gold coins.

The New York Times

When it became necessary for ar-Rashīd to choose an heir, he is said to have hesitated before deciding finally in favour of al-Amīn.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was there when it became necessary to go underground and live the life of an outlaw in 1960 at the conclusion of the four-year long Treason Trial.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it becomes necessary" to clearly signal that an action will be taken based on a future condition or event. This helps in planning and setting expectations.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "when it becomes necessary" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for simpler alternatives like "when needed" or "if we have to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it becomes necessary" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying the condition under which the action in the main clause will occur. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when it becomes necessary" is a versatile adverbial clause indicating that an action is contingent upon a future condition. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news, science, and academic contexts. While suitable for formal settings, simpler alternatives might be preferable in casual conversations. When writing, remember that it introduces a condition triggering a specific action and signifies planning. Key alternatives include "if required" and "as needed". The phrase is very common in today's language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the need arises

This alternative shortens the original phrase while retaining the core meaning of acting upon a specific requirement.

when the time comes

This alternative suggests acting at a predetermined or logical moment, implying a sense of inevitability.

if the situation warrants

This alternative emphasizes that the action is conditional and depends on the circumstances at hand.

as needed

A concise alternative focusing on acting only when there's a demonstrable requirement.

should the occasion arise

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the possibility of a particular situation occurring.

when circumstances dictate

This alternative suggests a strong influence from external conditions, compelling the action.

if required

This is a straightforward and direct alternative, suitable for various contexts.

where appropriate

This indicates acting in a manner that is suitable or fitting for the given situation.

if it is deemed necessary

This alternative places emphasis on the judgment or assessment of someone to determine the necessity.

at the appropriate time

This focuses on acting at the most suitable moment, implying readiness and timing.

FAQs

How can I use "when it becomes necessary" in a sentence?

You can use "when it becomes necessary" to introduce a condition that triggers a specific action. For example, "We will re-evaluate our strategy "when it becomes necessary" to adapt to market changes."

What are some alternatives to "when it becomes necessary"?

You can use alternatives like "if required", "as needed", or "when the need arises" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "when it's necessary" or "when it becomes necessary"?

"When it's necessary" is a more concise and informal alternative. "When it becomes necessary" is more formal and emphasizes the progression to a state of necessity.

What is the difference between "when it is necessary" and "when it becomes necessary"?

"When it is necessary" implies an immediate or existing need. "When it becomes necessary" suggests a future point where action will be required. The latter has a sense of anticipation and potential change.