on asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on asking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something occurs or is revealed when a question is posed or when someone requests information. Example: "On asking about the project timeline, I learned that it had been delayed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"But I will carry on asking around.

The New York Times

"I was scared but he kept on asking.

The New York Times

"What's TalkTalkTV, mummy?," you imagine teenage viewers, whom TalkTalkTV should be switching on, asking their parents.

The Guardian

"We kept on playing, kept on probing and kept on asking the questions.

BBC

If they say no, don't keep on asking.

WikiHow

Don't keep on asking too much questions or you will irritate her.

WikiHow

Then he sailed on, asking: "Crisis?

The Guardian - Sport

But this was not a woman keen on asking questions.

The New York Times - Books

And if they don't answer, let's keep on asking.

The New York Times - Magazine

I keep on asking, though the telling sometimes jolts me.

The New York Times

I chickened out on asking for a photo...damn".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "on asking", ensure the context clearly indicates what action or information is prompted by the inquiry. For example, "On asking about the delay, they provided a detailed explanation."

Common error

Avoid using "on asking" if the subsequent event isn't a direct result of the question itself. Instead, use "after" or "following" if the connection is temporal but not causational. For example: Incorrect: "On asking about the weather, it started to rain." Correct: "After asking about the weather, it started to rain."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on asking" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often introducing a clause that describes a consequence or result directly related to the act of asking. Ludwig examples confirm its use to set the stage for revealing information obtained through inquiry.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on asking" is a grammatically correct and commonly used prepositional phrase that highlights a direct relationship between questioning and subsequent information or action. Ludwig AI validates its acceptability, with a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or highly professional settings. While prevalent in news, media, and wiki sources, it's less frequent in strictly scientific or academic writing. Understanding its function and communicative purpose is crucial for effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon questioning

Replaces "asking" with "questioning", emphasizing the process of seeking information through questions.

when inquiring

Focuses on the action of making a formal inquiry.

after requesting

Highlights the act of making a formal request prior to a response or action.

following a query

Uses 'query' as a more formal substitute for 'asking'.

in response to questioning

Emphasizes that something happens as a direct result of questions being posed.

when prompted

Implies that the asking is initiated by an external cue or suggestion.

during interrogation

Suggests a more formal and possibly intense questioning process.

after seeking clarification

Specifically focuses on the act of asking for more clarity or detail.

by means of inquiry

Presents a formal way of expressing the act of asking.

through solicitation

Implies a more active or persistent form of asking, often for something specific like donations or support.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "on asking" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "upon inquiring", "following a query", or "in response to questioning". These options add a layer of sophistication to your writing.

What's a common mistake to avoid when using "on asking"?

Ensure that the event following "on asking" is a direct result of the question. Avoid using it if the connection is merely temporal; instead, opt for "after" or "following" to indicate sequence rather than causation.

Can "on asking" be used in all types of writing?

While "on asking" is generally acceptable, its suitability depends on the context. It's appropriate for many situations but might sound less sophisticated in highly formal or academic writing, where phrases like "upon inquiry" might be preferred.

Is there a difference between "on asking" and "when asking"?

The phrase "on asking" implies a more direct cause-and-effect relationship between the question and the resulting information or action. "When asking" simply indicates the timing of the question, without necessarily implying a direct consequence.