tell me when

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tell me when" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to inform you at a specific time or when a certain event occurs. Example: "Please tell me when you arrive at the station so I can pick you up."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tell me when to stop".

The New Yorker

Tell me when the signal is clear".

The New Yorker

'Tell me when you get back.' 12.

Independent

Tell me when you are ready.

The New York Times

"Just tell me when it's lights-out".

The New Yorker

They tell me when I'm being ridiculous.

The Guardian

"Tell me when a minute is up".

The New Yorker

Tell me when you got interested in cell biology.

The New Yorker

He was to tell me when he bought them.

The New York Times

You watch and tell me when you've disappeared.

The New Yorker

They will tell me when there is a solution".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tell me when" when you need someone to inform you about a specific event or time, especially when you're waiting for something to happen or for a condition to be met. For instance, "Tell me when the package arrives."

Common error

While "tell me when" is generally acceptable, it can sound informal in highly professional settings. Opt for alternatives like "inform me when" or "notify me when" to maintain a more formal tone in business correspondence or official requests.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tell me when" functions as an imperative request, directing the listener or reader to provide information upon the occurrence of a specific event or at a particular time. Examples from Ludwig show its use in diverse scenarios, from casual conversations to formal requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

23%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "tell me when" is a common and grammatically correct way to request information about a future event or time. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and business. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "inform me when" may be preferred in certain professional settings. Understanding the subtle differences between "tell me when" and similar phrases like "let me know when" can help you choose the most appropriate wording for your specific needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let me know when

Emphasizes providing information as a courtesy or convenience.

inform me when

Suggests a more formal or official notification.

notify me when

Implies a structured or procedural alert.

advise me when

Highlights the act of giving counsel or guidance at a particular moment.

keep me updated on when

Indicates a desire for continuous information as things progress.

update me when

Shorter version of 'keep me updated on when'.

alert me when

Stresses the importance of receiving immediate notification.

ping me when

A more casual, often tech-related way to ask for notification.

signal me when

Implies a cue or indication will be given at the right time.

contact me when

Focuses on establishing communication at a specific time or event.

FAQs

What's a more formal way to say "tell me when"?

In professional or formal settings, you can use phrases like "inform me when", "notify me when", or "please advise me when" for a more sophisticated tone.

How does "tell me when" differ from "let me know when"?

"Let me know when" is often perceived as slightly more casual and conversational, while "tell me when" is a direct request for information. They're largely interchangeable, but the former might be preferred in friendly exchanges.

Can I use "tell me when" in an email?

Yes, "tell me when" is perfectly appropriate for emails, especially in internal communications or when corresponding with colleagues you know well. For external or very formal emails, consider alternatives like "inform me when".

Is "tell me when" grammatically correct?

Yes, "tell me when" is grammatically sound. It's an imperative sentence structure used to request information about a specific time or event.