when it is needed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'when it is needed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an action that should only be done in certain situations. For example, "We can provide extra assistance when it is needed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The need for decision makers to find relevant HTA data when it is needed is a barrier to its usefulness.

BMC Medical Education

You pay for service when it is needed.

The New York Times - Tech

That would hurt international rapport when it is needed most.

The New York Times

In addition, stored heat can be recovered when it is needed in winter.

Renewable Energy

QoS route is discovered and setup only when it is needed.

Ad Hoc Networks

Digital platforms increasingly allow companies to source knowledge only when it is needed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I prefer experimental work, but will do theory when it is needed.

University of California, Berkeley

The stored heat is then released into the school when it is needed – sometimes months later.

Independent

Unfortunately, the cool system is most difficult to access when it is needed most.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Inventory arrives on the factory floor only as and when it is needed.

The Economist

Rick Perry said the president's plan "penalizes investment when it is needed most".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it is needed" to clearly indicate that an action or resource should be applied only under specific circumstances, avoiding unnecessary or premature application.

Common error

Avoid using "when it is needed" in contexts where simpler alternatives like "if necessary" or "as required" would suffice, to maintain conciseness and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it is needed" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying a verb or clause to indicate when an action or state should occur. Ludwig AI identifies this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, providing context for timing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when it is needed" serves as a versatile adverbial clause indicating conditional timing. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across diverse contexts, from news and scientific publications to academic papers. Its function is to specify actions or resources should be applied only under certain conditions, enhancing clarity and precision. While adaptable to various registers, it's crucial to avoid overuse and consider simpler alternatives for concise communication. The related phrases and examples offer valuable insights into effective usage and alternative phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only if required

Directly states the condition of needing something before action is taken, similar to "when it is needed".

as necessary

A shorter, more direct replacement for "when it is needed", conveying the idea of something being done only when required.

on an as-needed basis

Highlights the periodic and conditional availability of something, mirroring the meaning of "when it is needed".

when the necessity arises

This alternative to "when it is needed" explicitly mentions necessity as the determining factor.

as the need arises

Replaces "when it is needed" with a more concise and idiomatic expression focusing on the emergence of a need.

if there's a need

A more conversational way of saying "when it is needed", emphasizing the existence of a requirement.

when the time comes

Substitutes "when it is needed" to emphasize a point in time, specifically when something becomes necessary.

if the situation calls for it

Replaces "when it is needed" to highlight the conditional nature of the action based on specific circumstances.

should the occasion arise

This alternative to "when it is needed" is more formal and emphasizes the possibility of a specific event occurring.

in times of need

Focuses on periods where a specific requirement or support becomes essential, like "when it is needed".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when it is needed" to sound more formal?

You can use more formal alternatives such as "as necessary", "only if required", or "on an as-needed basis" to convey a similar meaning in a more sophisticated manner.

What's a more concise way to say "when it is needed"?

Alternatives like /s/as+necessary, /s/if+required, or /s/only+if+necessary can express the same idea with fewer words, maintaining clarity and impact.

Is there a difference between "when it's needed" and "when it is needed"?

The contracted form "when it's needed" is more informal, while "when it is needed" is more formal. Both are grammatically correct, but the choice depends on the context and desired tone.

How to use "when it is needed" in a sentence?

You can use "when it is needed" to introduce a condition for an action, for example: "Resources will be allocated "when it is needed" most" or "Assistance will be provided "when it is needed"".