wherever possible

USAGE SUMMARY

"wherever possible" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize the need for an action or solution to be applied as broadly as possible. For example: "We should strive to reduce our energy consumption wherever possible."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You walk wherever possible.

Independent

I worked wherever possible.

The New Yorker

Provide contrast wherever possible.

The New York Times - Health

Encourage interaction wherever possible.

The Guardian

He promoted youngsters wherever possible.

Independent

Wherever possible identify common goals.

The Guardian

Wherever possible keep things familiar.

Harvard Business Review

The passive voice is used wherever possible.

The New Yorker

Brevity is to be cultivated wherever possible.

The Guardian

Authenticity overload was practiced wherever possible.

The New York Times - Arts

Wherever possible, Cooper Square encourages gas conversion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wherever possible" to encourage the widest application of a beneficial action or solution, highlighting its potential for broad impact.

Common error

Avoid using "wherever possible" excessively in a single document. Overuse can dilute its emphasis and make your writing sound repetitive. Strive for a balance by using synonyms like "where feasible" or "as far as possible" to add variety.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wherever possible" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating the extent to which an action should be performed or a condition should be applied. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status, supported by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

29%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wherever possible" is a grammatically sound and widely used adverbial phrase that encourages the maximization of an action or condition. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is deemed correct and appropriate for a diverse range of contexts. This phrase is found frequently in news, science, and wiki sources, and less so in formal business or academic writing. Synonyms like "where feasible" and "as far as possible" offer stylistic alternatives. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse to maintain clarity and impact. As this analysis shows, "wherever possible" is a valuable tool for emphasizing broad implementation, provided it's used judiciously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

where feasible

Replaces "possible" with "feasible", suggesting practicality and ease of implementation.

as much as is feasible

Combines the ideas of maximization and practicality.

where practicable

Emphasizes the practicality of an action, implying consideration of circumstances.

as far as possible

Focuses on maximizing the extent to which something is done.

to the extent possible

Highlights the limitations that might affect how fully an action can be carried out.

when circumstances permit

Emphasizes opportunity and suitability of the moment.

if circumstances allow

Conditions implementation on external situations being favorable.

where appropriate

Focuses on the suitability of an action in a particular context.

to the best of one's ability

Shifts focus to the agent's capacity and effort.

whenever the opportunity arises

Highlights the importance of acting when presented with an opening.

FAQs

How can I use "wherever possible" in a sentence?

Use "wherever possible" to indicate that something should be done as often or as much as the situation allows. For example, "We should reduce waste "wherever possible"."

What are some alternatives to "wherever possible"?

You can use alternatives like "where feasible", "as far as possible", or "when circumstances permit" depending on the context.

Is "wherever possible" formal or informal?

"Wherever possible" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure than on the phrase itself.

What's the difference between "wherever possible" and "if possible"?

"Wherever possible" implies a proactive effort to make something happen across various situations. "If possible" is more conditional and suggests doing something only when the opportunity or circumstances naturally arise.