where appropriate

USAGE SUMMARY

"where appropriate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something should be done only when it is deemed suitable or necessary in the particular context. For example, "We should seek feedback from stakeholders where appropriate."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Academia

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

specific appropriation and line numbers where appropriate.

Cornell University

publicly available where appropriate".

The New Yorker

(5 Training, where appropriate.

Cornell University

Recommendations are provided where appropriate.

International Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping

Please take independent legal advice where appropriate.

The Guardian

"We're cooperating with the authorities where appropriate".

The Guardian - Books

Elements groups are also separated where appropriate.

Nature

Where appropriate paired analyses were performed.

Nature

Data log transformed where appropriate before analysis.

Nature

Bilinear interpolation was applied where appropriate.

Stanford University

Participate in CXC EPO programs where appropriate.

Harvard University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "where appropriate" to add flexibility to instructions or guidelines, indicating that certain actions are not always mandatory but depend on the specific circumstances. This avoids a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach.

Common error

Avoid using "where appropriate" as a filler phrase without a clear understanding of when something is actually appropriate. Always ensure the context provides sufficient clues for the reader to determine the suitability of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "where appropriate" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or clause. It specifies the conditions under which an action or statement is applicable. Ludwig confirms its proper grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

Academia

25%

News & Media

23%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "where appropriate" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate conditional applicability. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various domains, including science, academia, and news media. It serves to add flexibility and context-sensitivity to statements, allowing for situational judgment. When using "where appropriate", it's important to ensure the context provides sufficient clues for the reader to determine the suitability of the action and should be used only when needed. Consider alternatives like "where applicable" or "as needed" to vary your writing and tailor the phrase to the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

where applicable

Replaces "appropriate" with "applicable", suggesting suitability for a specific situation.

where necessary

Substitutes "appropriate" with "necessary", indicating an action is only done when essential.

when suitable

Uses "when" to emphasize the timing and "suitable" to highlight the fitness of the action.

as needed

A shorter, more direct alternative emphasizing the conditional nature of the action.

if required

Highlights the requirement for the action, focusing on a condition being met.

where relevant

Changes "appropriate" to "relevant", stressing the pertinence of the action to the matter at hand.

as deemed fit

Emphasizes the judgment involved in deciding when the action is suitable.

when advisable

Suggests the action should be taken when it is the most sensible or prudent course.

where fitting

Uses "fitting" in place of "appropriate", indicating the action is suitable or harmonious in the context.

where justified

Indicates an action should be done only when there is a valid reason or basis for it.

FAQs

What does "where appropriate" mean?

The phrase "where appropriate" means that something should be done or considered only when it is suitable or necessary in a particular situation. It indicates a conditional action, relying on judgment and context.

How can I use "where appropriate" in a sentence?

You can use "where appropriate" to qualify a recommendation or instruction, suggesting it should only be followed when the circumstances warrant it. For example: "Consult with a specialist, "where appropriate"."

What can I say instead of "where appropriate"?

You can use alternatives like "where applicable", "where necessary", or "as needed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it redundant to say "where appropriate and necessary"?

While not strictly redundant, "where appropriate and necessary" can often be simplified to just "where appropriate" or "where necessary", as appropriateness often implies necessity in many contexts. Choose the phrase that best fits the specific meaning you intend.