whichever is available

USAGE SUMMARY

'whichever is available' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are referring to two or more options from which you may choose one. For example: "I would like a steak for dinner, chicken if that's not available, or whichever is available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In fact to the contrary, the incomes of the poorest have been rising, millions of people have been escaping poverty and in 2015 it was estimated that the extreme poverty rate had fallen to less than 10% (note – this result is based on both income and consumption data, whichever is available for each country).

The Guardian

Skype calls go over the data network (WiFi or 3G, whichever is available).

TechCrunch

During last two decades, the evolutionary progress of these databases is clearly divided into two branches, lead by Commercial and Academic research groups, and are shown in Figure 1 (generated using the respective publication or launching date whichever is available in the literatures or in the web site).

Database : the journal of biological databases and curation

For a home remedy, mix sugar and olive/almond/coconut oil (Whichever is available).

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Meghlie Ceremonial Rice Pudding with Aniseed 120 g (4 oz) ground rice 1.3 litres (2 1⁄4 pints) water 8 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon caraway seed 1 teaspoon fennel seed 1 teaspoon aniseed Pinch of ground ginger To decorate: chopped blanched almonds, pistachios, toasted pine nuts, hazelnuts, whichever are available Mix the ground rice to a smooth paste with some of the cold water.

The New Yorker

Respondents were asked to provide estimates for either the calendar or fiscal year 2008, whichever was available at the time of receipt of the survey.

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Total RNA was extracted using approximately 30 mg of liver, marrow or spleen (whichever was available).

Evolutionary Applications

Pain medication information was recorded at either the 3 month or 6 month period, whichever was available.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Sources of data are the elderly patients (through direct observation and/or interview), their relatives, patient records, or home care staff, whichever are available for the assessor.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

People will hunt them out, on whichever device is available.

The Guardian - Opinion

When customers of both companies place calls, they are carried by whichever network is available in the area.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "whichever is available" when indicating a flexible choice among several options, without implying a strong preference for any particular one. It works well when the selection criteria is simply accessibility or presence.

Common error

Avoid using "whichever is available" excessively in highly formal writing where more precise language might be expected. Instead, consider specifying the decision-making process or criteria more explicitly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whichever is available" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun that represents a choice. It indicates that the specific item chosen is determined solely by its availability. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "whichever is available" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express a flexible choice based on accessibility. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. It commonly appears in news, scientific, and general contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, it's best to avoid overuse in highly formal writing where more precise language might be expected. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a situation where options are truly equivalent except for their availability. Consider alternatives like "whatever is accessible" or "that which is at hand" for subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whatever is accessible

Replaces "whichever" with "whatever", focusing on accessibility rather than choice.

option that is accessible

Rephrases to emphasize the accessibility as a key factor.

what is obtainable

Substitutes "available" with "obtainable", highlighting the possibility of acquiring something.

what is provided

Highlights the act of providing the option, implying a supplier.

what is procurable

Similar to obtainable but more formal.

that which is at hand

Emphasizes immediate presence and readiness of the option.

that which can be used

Focuses on the usability of the option.

that which is ready

Focuses on the readiness of the option.

resource that is present

Shifts the focus towards resources currently present.

what's on offer

Uses a more informal tone, highlighting the offerings.

FAQs

How can I use "whichever is available" in a sentence?

You can use "whichever is available" to indicate a flexible choice. For example, "I'll take a bus or a train, "whichever is available"".

What's a more formal alternative to "whichever is available"?

In formal contexts, consider alternatives like "the option that is most accessible" or "the readily procurable alternative" to maintain a higher degree of precision and formality.

Is it correct to use "whichever are available"?

Yes, "whichever are available" is correct when referring to multiple options. For example, "Use the tools, "whichever are available"".

Can I use "whatever is available" instead of "whichever is available"?

Yes, "whatever is available" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning, although "whichever" implies a choice among known options, while "whatever" can refer to any option that happens to be available.