when relevant

USAGE SUMMARY

"when relevant" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used when a statement requires caveats or qualifications. For example, "I will be able to help you with your project, when relevant."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are controlled vocabularies updated when relevant?

Cornell University

Job Match sends alerts when relevant jobs are advertised.

The Guardian

When relevant, a Newman-Keuls post hoc analysis was performed.

Nature

However, we will incorporate Southeast Asia when relevant.

Stanford University

Could we do the same, when relevant, with theatre in our own country?

The Guardian

When relevant, highlight the differing experiences of Shiites, Sunni Muslims, ethnic Kurds, Assyrian Christians and women.

The New York Times

Even when relevant information is available, it is not clear that students will use it.

The New York Times

In general, of course, IDs are used only when relevant to the subject of the letter.

The New York Times

Speed up your response rate by signing up for alerts which tell you when relevant jobs are advertised.

The Guardian

All the other buttons are touch-sensitive spots that light up on the shiny black back panel only when relevant.

The New York Times - Tech

Share your own when relevant.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when relevant" to add precision to your writing by indicating that a statement or action is only applicable under certain circumstances. This helps avoid generalizations and ensures clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "when relevant" when the relevance is already implied or obvious. Redundant usage can make your writing seem less concise and more cumbersome.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when relevant" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the circumstances under which the action or statement is applicable. It adds a caveat, as described by Ludwig, ensuring that information is only considered pertinent under specific conditions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

30%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when relevant" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, employed to qualify statements and ensure applicability under specific circumstances. According to Ludwig, its use is grammatically correct and suitable for diverse contexts, maintaining a neutral register. It is frequently observed in scientific, news, and academic writing, highlighting its versatility and importance in precise communication. To enhance clarity, use "when relevant" to avoid generalizations and prevent misinterpretations, and avoid overuse in contexts where relevance is already implied.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as applicable

Focuses on the applicability of something in a specific situation, emphasizing its suitability.

where appropriate

Highlights the appropriateness of an action or consideration based on the context.

if applicable

Emphasizes the conditional nature, directly stating that something applies only 'if' certain conditions are met.

as the case may be

Suggests variability depending on the situation, implying a need to adjust based on circumstances.

when necessary

Indicates that something should be done only 'when' it becomes essential or unavoidable.

where pertinent

Similar to 'relevant' but emphasizes the direct and clear connection to the matter at hand.

if required

Stresses the necessity of something under specific conditions, highlighting a demand or need.

as needed

Focuses on addressing needs as they arise, implying a reactive approach based on requirements.

subject to relevance

Formal and academic. Emphasizes that the applicability is explicitly based on the relevance to the topic.

depending on the context

Highlights the importance of the surrounding information and circumstances in determining applicability.

FAQs

How can I use "when relevant" in a sentence?

Use "when relevant" to specify that a piece of information or an action is only applicable under certain conditions. For example, "Include data on previous illnesses, "when relevant"".

What phrases are similar to "when relevant"?

Alternatives include "as applicable", "where appropriate", or "if required". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is "when relevant" formal or informal?

"When relevant" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

How does the use of "when relevant" affect clarity in writing?

Using "when relevant" enhances clarity by specifying conditions under which a statement is true or an action is necessary. This avoids overgeneralizations and makes the writing more precise and context-sensitive. Without the phrase, the sentence could potentially apply in situations where it shouldn't.