when it was required

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when it was required" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a specific time in the past when something was necessary or needed. Example: "The team completed the project on time, even when it was required to work overtime."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

"The break from cricket did them a world of good as they came all guns blazing when it was required.

The Guardian - Sport

As Baugé put it, "he was given wings by the crowd", who produced the Pringle roar when it was required.

The Guardian - Sport

Praising Joe Calzaghe, acknowledging his talent and those occasions when it was required to be fully exercised, is no hardship for anyone.

Independent

Mr. Bacon said an investigation had begun, adding, "We're always looking for the right balance between security and access, and unfortunately, the system here failed to provide access when it was required to do so".

The New York Times

In fact, the story looks more like one of virtual interaction as physical meeting becomes harder than when it was required by boat!" Paul Kabanda, a prominent youth leader in Uganda, is one of the young people denied entry.

Independent

Elizabeth J. Estroff, an A.S.P.C.A. representative, said: "Board approval was obtained for all projects when it was required and all expenses were properly disclosed, as evidenced on our 990".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

The fire must be lit only when it is required, extinguished after its use.

BMC Public Health

Competitors say that his phone company, widely known as Telmex, stalls when it is required to link them to its national network and overcharges them to transport their signals.

The New York Times

When it is required to expose wear particles from its backgrounds in OLVF images, techniques based on extracting and magnifying object edges can be used [34, 35].

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

"Let there be no mistake: I will never hesitate to use force when it is required.

The New York Times

I can give everything when it's required: game time, practice time, team time, travel time.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when it was required" to clearly indicate that an action or provision was only implemented under specific, predetermined circumstances, providing context for its necessity.

Common error

Avoid using "when it was required" in simple sentences where alternatives like "when needed" or "if necessary" would be more concise and equally effective. Clarity should be prioritized over formality in less complex contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when it was required" functions as an adverbial clause modifying a verb. It indicates the timing or condition under which the action described by the main clause occurs. Examples in Ludwig demonstrate its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

56%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when it was required" is a grammatically correct relative clause used to specify conditions in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, while Ludwig's examples showcase its usage across diverse fields like news, science, and general writing. Although acceptable for formal contexts, alternatives like "when needed" might be preferred for simplicity. It's crucial to assess the context to ensure the phrase aligns with the desired tone and level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when it became necessary

Emphasizes the point in time that something turned essential.

when the need arose

Highlights the emergence of a necessity.

as needed

Shorter, more concise alternative emphasizing conditionality.

if necessary

Focuses on the conditional aspect of the requirement.

when it was essential

Replaces 'required' with 'essential' for emphasis on importance.

when the situation demanded

Highlights that a specific situation created the requirement.

when circumstances dictated

Similar to the previous, but uses 'circumstances' for a broader context.

as circumstances warranted

Focuses on the circumstances justifying the requirement.

where appropriate

More general, suggesting suitability rather than strict requirement.

when it was deemed necessary

Adds an element of judgment or assessment to the necessity.

FAQs

How can I use "when it was required" in a sentence?

Use "when it was required" to specify a condition or point in time in the past when something became necessary. For example, "The software was updated "when it was required" to comply with new regulations."

What phrases can I use instead of "when it was required"?

You can use alternatives such as "when necessary", "if needed", or "as required", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "when it was required" and "when it is required"?

"When it was required" refers to a past necessity, while "when it is required" refers to a present or future necessity. The choice depends on whether you're discussing a past event or a current/future guideline.

Is "when it was required" formal or informal?

The phrase "when it was required" leans towards the formal side. Simpler alternatives like "as needed" or "if necessary" might be more appropriate in informal contexts.