when required

USAGE SUMMARY

"when required" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, "Exams should only be taken when required to demonstrate competence in a particular subject."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each strike showed composure when required.

The Guardian - Sport

But he will research new tools when required.

The Guardian

But, when required, my signature dish is a pheasant stew.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ailey and Ellington could certainly "do big" when required.

The New York Times - Arts

I have the ability to burn brightly when required.

The Guardian - Books

More information shall be provided when required.

Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research

Sigma Antifoam 289 was added when required.

AMB Express

Authors were contacted when required data were not published.

Sports Medicine - Open

Subsequently, they will only provide on-site support when required.

Asia-Pacific Science Education

The assumption of homogeneous dependence should be tested when required.

Journal of Statistical Distributions and Applications

Others use them indirectly, buying them when required.

New Zealand Journal of Forestry Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when required" to clearly indicate that an action or resource is only necessary under specific circumstances. This avoids unnecessary actions or resource expenditure.

Common error

Avoid using "when required" redundantly; if the context already implies conditionality, the phrase may be unnecessary and clutter your writing. Use it strategically to add clarity, not just as a filler.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when required" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the circumstances under which an action should be performed. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

52%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when required" is a versatile and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate that something is only necessary under specific circumstances. As Ludwig AI points out, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in scientific and news media. The phrase functions as an adverbial, modifying verbs or clauses. Alternatives such as "as needed" or "if necessary" can be used depending on the specific nuance. It is important to avoid overuse and ensure the context justifies its inclusion. By using "when required" appropriately, you can improve the clarity and efficiency of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as needed

Emphasizes the necessity based on the current situation or need.

if necessary

Highlights the contingency of the action, implying it might not always be needed.

when necessary

Very similar to the original phrase, with a slight shift in emphasis.

if the need arises

More formal and emphasizes the potential for a need to occur.

only when necessary

Adds an element of restriction, implying the action should not be taken otherwise.

as the situation demands

Focuses on the situational context as the determining factor.

on demand

Implies immediate availability or action when requested or needed.

subject to demand

Indicates that availability or action depends on a specific request or need.

contingent upon requirement

More formal and highlights the dependency on a specific requirement being met.

where applicable

Indicates that something is only relevant or valid in certain cases.

FAQs

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

You can use "when required" to indicate that something is only necessary under certain conditions. For example, "Additional staff will be hired "when required" to meet the increased demand".

What is a good alternative to "when required"?

Alternatives include "as needed", "if necessary", or "only when necessary", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "when required" or "where required"?

"When required" refers to time or condition, while "where required" refers to location. Use "when" for conditional necessity and "where" for locational necessity.

What does "when required" mean?

"When required" means only if or at the point that something becomes necessary. It implies that action should only be taken or resources used when there is a specific need.