when the necessity arises

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when the necessity arises" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will happen or be done at a time when it becomes necessary. Example: "We will take action when the necessity arises to ensure the safety of our team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Therefore, in a cellular world, prior solutions can be re-explored when the necessity arises.

Clinical and Translational Medicine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Piłsudski sought to gain time, believing that Poland should be ready to fight when the necessity arose.

Britannica

As the necessity arises, such apt powers will doubtless be brought into operation.

Cornell University

Therefore, the necessity arises for the continuous support of business relationships through value-adding and additional services.

Journal of Cloud Computing

The necessity arose in 1960, when his recording of Chopin nocturnes was released with liner notes describing one nocturne as "staggering drunken with the odor of flowers".

The New York Times - Arts

P-KR4 should the necessity arise.

The New York Times - Style

Despite the statistics, we will always feel safer in cars, because in cars, we are the pilots, or could be the pilots if the necessity arose.

The New York Times - Magazine

She had to be big enough to take me and my supplies, and for me to sleep in it should the necessity arise.

BBC

It may possibly happen that the safety and welfare of the country may require, that money be borrowed, and it is proper when such a necessity arises that the power should be exercised by the general government.--But it certainly ought never to be exercised, but on the most urgent occasions, and then we should not borrow of foreigners if we could possibly avoid it.

University of Chicago

Such necessity arises when there is a problem of selecting the most adequate and appropriate information collected from varying sources, and in some cases contrasting findings, as well as information about ongoing developments on which publications are not yet publicly available.

European Transport Research Review

Necessity arises when there is no available experimental data for the required composition, pressure and temperature conditions.

Fuel Processing Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when the necessity arises" to clearly indicate that an action will be taken only if a specific, unavoidable need occurs. This adds precision and avoids unnecessary actions.

Common error

Avoid using "when the necessity arises" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted. Simpler alternatives like "when needed" or "if necessary" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when the necessity arises" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying the condition under which the action in the main clause will occur. It provides a temporal context, indicating that something will happen only at the point when a specific need or requirement becomes apparent. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when the necessity arises" is a phrase used as an adverbial clause of time, indicating that a specific action will occur only if a certain need becomes apparent. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. While grammatically sound, this phrase is more suited for neutral to formal contexts such as news, science, and encyclopedic content, and less appropriate for casual conversation, where simpler alternatives are preferred. The phrase conveys a sense of preparedness and measured action. Despite its infrequent usage, understanding its proper context ensures effective communication. Top sources include The New York Times, Britannica and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when the need occurs

Focuses on the 'need' element, simplifying the phrasing.

if the demand arises

Focuses specifically on the 'demand' aspect.

when it becomes essential

Highlights the essential nature of the arising situation.

if the occasion demands

Replaces "necessity" with "occasion" and uses a more formal verb.

should the situation require

Uses a more formal tone and conditional structure.

as the occasion requires

Similar to the above but slightly less formal.

when circumstances dictate

Emphasizes the influence of circumstances on the necessity.

as and when required

Commonly used in formal contexts, emphasizing availability.

if the time comes

A more general and less formal alternative.

in case of need

A shorter, more direct alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "when the necessity arises" in a sentence?

Use "when the necessity arises" to indicate a future action contingent on a specific need. For example, "We will implement the backup plan "when the necessity arises"."

What are some alternatives to "when the necessity arises"?

Alternatives include "when the need occurs", "if the occasion demands", or simply "when needed", depending on the level of formality required.

Is "when the necessity arises" too formal for everyday conversation?

Yes, "when the necessity arises" can sound overly formal in casual settings. Opt for simpler phrases like "if necessary" or "when needed" for everyday conversations.

Which is correct: "when a necessity arises" or "when the necessity arises"?

"When the necessity arises" is generally preferred as it implies a specific, known necessity, rather than an unspecified one. "When a necessity arises" might be suitable in more general contexts.