when activated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when activated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a condition or state that occurs upon the activation of a device, system, or process. Example: "The alarm will sound when activated by motion detection."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Most of these complexes have shown good catalytic activities when activated with dry methyl aluminoxane.

Applied Petrochemical Research

When activated, they release a number of biologically active molecules.

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

When activated, the GeneActiv continuously tracks and stores activity information whether or not it is worn.

BMJ Open

When activated with MAO, the catalysts give reasonably high activities (105 kg mol−1 h−1 bar−1) [79].

Applied Petrochemical Research

The researchers also added a jellyfish gene that produces a protein that glows blue when activated.

The New York Times

And the normal rising of the lift when activated eliminates the air compressor from consideration.

The New York Times

When activated, this link directs the screen reader's focus to the main content of the page.

The New York Times

When activated, the turret brings in a 15-degree slice of the outdoors.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr. Antony was watching a relay, staring into a glass box with a switch that, when activated, flips up.

The New York Times

It's quite a sensation, the undeniable boost the motor gives when activated by pedalling, and it's surprisingly silent, too.

The Guardian - Tech

Concealed behind the panel will be nozzles and valves that, when activated, infuse the water with microdoses of a scent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the functionality of a feature or system, use "when activated" to clearly indicate the condition that triggers the action. For example, "The emergency alarm sounds when activated by the smoke detector."

Common error

Avoid using "when activated" if the activation is not the direct cause of the subsequent event. For example, instead of saying "The engine sputtered when activated, indicating a fuel issue," specify the actual cause: "The engine sputtered due to a fuel issue after it was activated."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when activated" functions as an adverbial clause of time, specifying the condition under which an action or event occurs. Ludwig shows many examples where it introduces a scenario contingent on something becoming active, as in "The turret brings in a 15-degree slice of the outdoors when activated."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when activated" is a versatile and frequently used adverbial clause that specifies the condition for an action or event. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it maintains grammatical correctness and is widely applicable across various writing styles. While alternatives like "upon activation" or "once triggered" exist, "when activated" remains a clear and direct way to convey functionality. Its frequent use in scientific and news contexts underscores its broad applicability and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon activation

This alternative uses a prepositional phrase to indicate the moment something becomes active, offering a more concise option.

once triggered

This phrase uses "triggered" instead of "activated", implying a specific event that initiates the action.

when triggered

Replaces "activated" with "triggered", suggesting an action is initiated by a specific event or stimulus.

if activated

This alternative introduces a conditional clause, emphasizing the possibility rather than the certainty of activation.

on being activated

This phrase uses a gerund phrase to describe the state of activation, providing a slightly more formal tone.

after activation

Focuses on the state following the activation, shifting the emphasis slightly from the moment of activation itself.

in response to activation

Highlights the cause-and-effect relationship, emphasizing that the action occurs as a direct result of activation.

following activation

Indicates a sequential relationship, suggesting that something happens after the activation takes place.

when initiated

Substitutes "activated" with "initiated", suggesting a beginning or starting point.

upon initiation

Replaces "activated" with "initiated", giving a more formal tone to the start of an action or process.

FAQs

How can I use "when activated" in a sentence?

Use "when activated" to describe what happens at the moment something becomes active or is triggered. For example: "The light turns on "when activated" by a motion sensor."

What are some alternatives to "when activated"?

You can use alternatives such as "upon activation", "once triggered", or "if activated", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "when activated" and "after activation"?

"When activated" refers to the precise moment something becomes active, whereas "after activation" implies a period following the moment of activation. The distinction is subtle but important for clarity. For example, "The program runs "when activated"" (it starts immediately), compared to "The program runs its diagnostics "after activation"" (it starts some time later).

Can "when activated" be used in both formal and informal writing?

Yes, "when activated" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It's a clear and direct way to describe a condition or state that occurs upon the activation of something. However, in more formal contexts, you might consider alternatives like "upon activation" for a slightly more elevated tone.