when answering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when answering" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the act of responding to a question or prompt. Example: "When answering the exam questions, make sure to provide detailed explanations."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Everyone lies when answering this question," says Harris.

Independent

What criteria should be applied when answering such questions?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

When answering questions, he often quibbled and parsed words.

The New York Times

How did students feel when answering these questions?

The New York Times

Now, I'm generally pretty gracious when answering reader mail.

The New York Times

(Marlene is the all-purpose pseudonym female cult members use when answering the phone).

The New York Times - Arts

SaaS vendors are on shakiest ground when answering this question.

Forbes

Unusually, he used first names when answering committee members' questions.

BBC

When answering the questions, please use your 2017 tax information.

Duke University

Just use caution when answering ads for cleaning services.

Forbes

Glendale Water & Power is asking customers to be vigilant when answering their phones this holiday season.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when answering", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being answered. Be specific if necessary to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid placing "when answering" at the beginning of a sentence if it creates a dangling modifier. Ensure the subject performing the answering is clear and logically connected to the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when answering" functions as an introductory adverbial phrase or clause, setting the time or condition under which the main clause's action occurs. This is supported by Ludwig examples demonstrating its use to specify circumstances, such as "when answering the questions, please use your 2017 tax information."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when answering" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that acts as an introductory clause, setting the context for an action performed during the process of answering. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and broad applicability across various registers, although care should be taken to avoid misplaced modifiers. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, and it is essential to consider both risks and benefits when responding, ensuring clarity and specificity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

answering the question

This alternative specifies that an answer is being provided to a question.

in response to

This phrase highlights the cause-and-effect relationship between a question and its answer.

while replying

This option focuses on the simultaneous action of answering and another activity.

upon responding

This alternative uses a more formal tone and emphasizes the action immediately following the act of responding.

as you answer

This phrasing provides a direct instruction or suggestion, emphasizing the present action.

on answering

This alternative is less common and emphasizes the moment of providing an answer.

during the answer

This phrase shifts the focus to the timeframe of the answer itself, rather than the act of answering.

while providing a response

A longer, more formal way of saying "when answering" that can be used in professional settings.

in giving an answer

This is a more verbose and formal alternative to "when answering".

to answer

This is an infinitive form that can replace "when answering" in certain contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "when answering" to introduce a condition or action that occurs during the process of giving an answer. For example, "When answering the question, be sure to provide specific details."

What's the difference between "when answering" and "in response to"?

"When answering" refers to the act of providing an answer and any actions taken during that process. "In response to" refers to the reason or cause for giving an answer.

What are some alternatives to "when answering"?

Alternatives include "upon responding", "while replying", or "as you answer", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it okay to start a sentence with "when answering"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "when answering", but ensure the sentence structure is clear and the subject performing the action is easily identifiable. Avoid dangling modifiers.