when asked

USAGE SUMMARY

"when asked" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to introduce a statement that requires or requires the input of others. For example: "When asked about his plans for the future, he said he was thinking of going to university."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Slowly," he answered when asked.

The New York Times - Science

She sighed, when asked about the crane.

The New Yorker

When asked, he played down the notion.

The New York Times - Sports

When asked where he was going,….

The New Yorker

When asked, he poses for photos.

Independent

When asked, they declined to identify themselves.

The New York Times

She hesitated only when asked her age.

The New York Times

When asked, he replied simply, "no".

The New York Times

When asked about it, he sighed.

The New York Times

When asked to leave it, he froze.

The New Yorker

When asked about it, he stopped laughing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when asked" to smoothly introduce a direct response or reaction to a question. It helps create a clear cause-and-effect relationship in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "when asked" if the response wasn't a direct answer to a question. Ensure there's a clear line of inquiry preceding the provided information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when asked" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by indicating when an action or state occurred. It introduces circumstances under which a statement or response was given, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

20%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when asked" serves as an adverbial clause indicating the circumstances under which information is revealed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various domains, notably in News & Media. Its neutral tone makes it suitable for diverse writing styles. To enhance clarity, ensure a direct question precedes its use. For alternatives, consider options such as "upon being questioned" or "in response to the question". Remember that the best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon being questioned

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of questioning.

in response to the question

This phrase highlights the direct link between the question and the answer.

when queried

A more formal and slightly less common synonym for "asked".

if someone inquires

This shifts the focus to a hypothetical inquiry.

on being polled

Implies a survey or a more structured questioning process.

if the question arises

This suggests that the asking of the question is not guaranteed.

in answer to their query

A formal way of saying 'in response to their question'.

when prompted

This suggests that the person needed encouragement or a cue to respond.

if they ask

A simpler, more direct alternative.

on interrogation

This term implies a formal or intense questioning.

FAQs

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

You can use "when asked" to introduce a response to a question. For example, "When asked about the project, she smiled".

What are some alternatives to using "when asked"?

Alternatives include phrases like "upon being questioned", "in response to the question", or "when queried" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "when asked" and "if asked"?

"When asked" implies that the question was definitely posed, while "if asked" suggests a hypothetical scenario. Use "if asked" when the questioning is uncertain.

Which is correct, "when asked" or "when were asked"?

"When asked" is the correct and more concise form. "When were asked" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts. The correct structure is "when asked".