when it is necessary

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when it is necessary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something should be done only when the situation calls for it. For example: "We should only use force when it is necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I spend when it is necessary.

Independent

Most disabled people request help only when it is necessary.

The New York Times

They seek out help when it is necessary and keep going when times are tough.

Columbia University

When it is necessary to ensure compliancy one should use Critical Mode archiving.

How to Cheat at Administering Office Communications Server 2007

It is fun to trump your partner's ace, especially when it is necessary.

The New York Times

Better, as proof of that assertion, to accept outside intervention when it is necessary.

The Economist

When it is necessary to enlarge reamed holes slightly, expansion reamers are available.

Encyclopedia Britannica

They can even forgive but it will come up at any moment, when it is necessary".

The New York Times

When it is necessary, he adds, "we will seek broad international support".

The New York Times

I think we should do what is necessary when it is necessary".

The New York Times

And all of them knew when it is necessary to break the bonds of party loyalty.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it is necessary" to clearly define the conditions under which an action should be taken, avoiding ambiguity and ensuring that the action is only performed in appropriate situations.

Common error

Avoid using "when it is necessary" in situations where the necessity is already implied. Overusing it can make your writing sound redundant. For example, instead of "You should eat when it is necessary", simply say "Eat when you're hungry".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it is necessary" functions as an adverbial clause of condition. It modifies a verb or clause, specifying the circumstances under which the action described by the verb or clause should occur. As evidenced by Ludwig's examples, it introduces a condition that must be met for something else to happen.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

42%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when it is necessary" functions as a conditional adverbial clause, indicating specific circumstances that warrant a particular action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various writing styles. While alternatives like "if necessary" or "as needed" exist, "when it is necessary" provides a more emphatic and definitive condition. It is frequently encountered in News & Media and Science, fitting across different registers from neutral to formal. Use it judiciously to add clarity to your writing, avoiding redundancy in simpler statements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the need arises

Focuses on the emergence of a need as the trigger, rather than a general sense of necessity.

if the situation requires

Highlights a conditional requirement based on circumstances.

as needed

A more concise and direct way of expressing conditionality based on necessity.

when it's essential

Emphasizes the critical or indispensable nature of the condition.

if circumstances dictate

Highlights the influence of external conditions on the necessity.

should the occasion arise

Introduces a sense of possibility or contingency to the necessity.

only if required

Stresses the exclusiveness of the condition being necessary.

where applicable

Indicates relevance or suitability as a condition for necessity.

in cases of necessity

Frames the situation within a broader context of unavoidable need.

when deemed requisite

Implies a formal judgment or determination of necessity.

FAQs

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

Use "when it is necessary" to introduce a condition that warrants a specific action. For example, "We should only intervene "when it is necessary" to prevent harm."

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

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

Is it better to say "when necessary" or "when it is necessary"?

"When necessary" is a more concise and often preferred alternative, especially in formal writing. However, ""when it is necessary"" can provide more emphasis or clarity in certain contexts.

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

"When it is necessary" implies a more definite condition or situation that requires action, while "if necessary" suggests a more speculative or potential need for action.