only when requested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "only when requested" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something will happen or be provided solely upon a specific request. Example: "The additional information will be provided only when requested by the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Bread was served only when requested, after the appetizers.

The New York Times

It is awarded only when requested by a producer and after a review by the guild.

The New York Times

American aircraft, Captain James said, would now be on a so-called standby mode and would fly only when requested by NATO and approved by the Pentagon.

The New York Times

He was given a remit to conduct inquiries into possible breaches of the ministerial code, but could do so only when requested by the prime minister, who retained the power to decide whether a minister should keep his job if a breach was committed.

The Guardian

In these situations, the property models are in a 'service' role where they supply the needed properties only when requested.

Fluid Phase Equilibria

Videos are transcoded only when requested, into whatever combination of codecs, bit rates and resolutions an individual handset requires.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

Absenteeism can be lethal to a teacher's career, especially if it is not managed properly by school leadership; not only when requesting references for jobs at other schools, but when applying for future roles within the same school.

The Guardian

32 This study was limited as laboratory tests were only performed when requested by the treating physician.

Clinical Epidemiology

Re-evaluation of HER2 status of metastatic tissue was not part of the study and was only performed when requested by the clinician.

Breast Cancer Research

For the other two scenarios it is assumed that the MHE is not idle so loads can only be moved when requested to perform a move request.

Computers & Industrial Engineering

For example, when we ran out of butter, the ramekin sat empty and was refilled only when we requested more.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "only when requested" to clearly define conditions for specific actions or provisions, avoiding assumptions or automatic delivery. This is useful in settings where resources are limited, or actions are not always necessary.

Common error

Avoid assuming a request is implied. If something should truly happen "only when requested", ensure the request is explicitly communicated to prevent misunderstandings or unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "only when requested" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate a condition or timing. It specifies that an action will occur solely under the condition that it has been requested. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "only when requested" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to indicate a specific condition for an action or service. According to Ludwig AI, this expression is grammatically sound and prevalent in numerous contexts, especially within news, scientific, and formal communications. It communicates that an action will only be performed if it has been requested. Understanding its function and related phrases, like "solely upon request" and "contingent on request", can help refine your writing and avoid potential misunderstandings. Remember to use "only when requested" to avoid uncommunicated implications of request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solely upon request

Emphasizes the exclusivity of the action happening only when a request is made.

exclusively if requested

Highlights the conditional nature, limiting the action to instances where a request is present.

not unless requested

Expresses a negative condition; the action will not occur if there is no request.

contingent on request

Indicates that the action is dependent on a request being made.

subject to a request

Similar to 'contingent on', emphasizing the influence of a request on the action.

conditional upon request

Stresses the dependence of the action on the fulfillment of a request.

on demand only

Highlights that the action is performed only when demanded or asked for.

if and only if requested

Adds a level of formality and precision, indicating a strict condition.

when specifically asked for

Specifies that the request must be explicit for the action to occur.

only by application

Similar to 'when requested', this emphasizes the need for an application or formal request to be submitted.

FAQs

How do you use "only when requested" in a sentence?

The phrase "only when requested" indicates that something will be provided or done solely if someone asks for it. For example, "Additional support will be provided "only when requested" by the user".

What is a synonym for "only when requested"?

Synonyms include "solely upon request", "exclusively if requested", or "contingent on request", which all emphasize the conditional nature of an action or provision.

Is it better to say "only when requested" or "upon request"?

Both phrases are correct, but "only when requested" emphasizes the condition that it only happens if requested, while "upon request" simply means it will happen if asked for. The best choice depends on the desired emphasis.

Can "only when requested" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "only when requested" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when specifying the conditions under which a service or action is provided. It's often used in business, legal, and technical contexts. Consider also "conditional upon request".