when required to do so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when required to do so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where an action is contingent upon a specific requirement or condition being met. Example: "Employees must submit their reports when required to do so by their supervisors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

An even vanishingly smaller proportion are likely to fail to turn up to classes when required to do so.

The Guardian

Computer-controlled microscopes track the position of the slide and can return to designated areas of the specimen when required to do so.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Lindahl said he would provide a figure only when the company moved to American accounting rules -- that is, when required to do so.

The New York Times

Paragraph 11B also extends the offence under section 35 Road Traffic Act to those that fail to stop when required to do so by a PCSO.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sir Alex also remains the only manager in the Premiership to refuse to hold post-match press conferences, except when required to do so by Uefa following Champions League games.

The Guardian

Section 35 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 makes it an offence for the driver of a vehicle not to stop when required to do so by a police officer engaged in regulating traffic.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

We have previously reported, using human psychophysical studies, that when subjects learn new object categories using whole objects, they incidentally learn informative fragments, even when not required to do so.

Plosone

Instead, the companies said they had disclosed user data to the U.S. government only when legally required to do so.

The New York Times

The bank itself reckons that, were it to apply the new Basel 3 rules in full next year, instead of when legally required to do so by 2019, it would have a core Tier-1 capital ratio of 7.2%.

The Economist

The administration will also send letters to manufacturers reminding them of their legal responsibility to report pending supply disruptions of certain drugs and to encourage them to notify the drug agency of events that could possibly lead to disruptions even when not required to do so.

The New York Times - Health

He lived by the sword and when he was required to do so, he loyally fell on it.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when required to do so" to clearly indicate that an action should only be performed under specific, predefined conditions, avoiding unnecessary or premature execution.

Common error

Avoid using "when required to do so" in every situation where something is conditional. Overuse can make your writing sound repetitive and stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "if necessary" or "as needed" to maintain a natural flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when required to do so" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, specifying the circumstances under which a particular action is necessary or obligatory. It modifies a verb or clause, indicating the timing or condition for the action to occur, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

23%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Social Media

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when required to do so" serves as an adverbial clause of condition, used to express that an action is contingent upon a specific requirement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently found in various contexts such as news, science, and general writing. While generally neutral to formal, careful consideration should be taken not to overuse this expression in everyday writing, and instead opt for simpler alternatives. Alternatives include "when necessary" or "as needed", where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when instructed to do so

Replaces 'required' with 'instructed', focusing on the act of following directions.

when requested to do so

Emphasizes that the action is contingent upon a request.

when ordered to do so

Highlights a command or authoritative instruction.

when compelled to do so

Stresses an external force or obligation.

when obligated to do so

Indicates a formal or moral duty.

when necessary to do so

Focuses on the essential nature of the action.

when needed to do so

Emphasizes the lack of the subject's needs if the action is not carried out.

when authorized to do so

Indicates that the action requires permission or authorization.

when permitted to do so

Highlights that the action is allowed under specific circumstances.

as required

A shorter, more concise way of expressing the same concept.

FAQs

How can I use "when required to do so" in a sentence?

This phrase typically introduces a condition under which an action must be performed. For example, "Employees must attend the training session "when required to do so" by their manager."

What are some alternatives to "when required to do so"?

You can use alternatives like "when necessary", "as needed", or "when requested" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "when required to do so" or "when needed"?

"When required to do so" is generally more formal than "when needed". The former is often found in official documents or instructions, while the latter is suitable for everyday conversation.

What is the difference between "when required to do so" and "if necessary"?

"When required to do so" implies a specific obligation or rule that triggers the action, whereas "if necessary" suggests a more discretionary or situational need for the action.