when asked about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when asked about" is correct and can be used in written English.
This phrase is used to introduce a quotation from someone, or to introduce a reference to someone's opinion. For example: "When asked about the issue, the mayor said that the city needed to take immediate steps to address it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She sighed, when asked about the crane.

The New Yorker

He demurs when asked about it.

The New York Times - Sports

When asked about it, he sighed.

The New York Times

When asked about it, he stopped laughing.

The New York Times

Sutter smiled when asked about his health.

The New York Times - Sports

When asked about it, Giuliani said: "Cocaine?

The New York Times

When asked about the criticism, Yoest laughed.

The Guardian

When asked about the future, he shrugged.

The New York Times

Burger shrugs when asked about the sobriquet.

The Guardian - Sport

When asked about this theory, Clemens scowled.

The New York Times

When asked about her retirement, Mlle.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary sentence structure by occasionally placing "when asked about" mid-sentence for emphasis, while ensuring clarity is maintained.

Common error

Ensure the subject of "when asked about" is clear to avoid confusion; specify the person or group being questioned if it's not immediately obvious from the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when asked about" functions as an introductory clause, setting the context for a statement or response. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It is used to introduce a quotation from someone, or to introduce a reference to someone's opinion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when asked about" is a grammatically sound and frequently used introductory clause, commonly employed to attribute statements or opinions to a source, especially in response to direct inquiries. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples across various domains. Its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse writing styles, although it is most prevalent in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject being questioned. Consider the alternatives provided for a bit of variety to your writing, like "in response to inquiries regarding".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in answer to questions on

Directly indicates that a statement is provided as an answer.

when prompted regarding

Similar to "when asked about" but emphasizes a specific prompting.

when questioned concerning

Replaces "about" with "concerning", indicating the subject of the inquiry.

upon being questioned regarding

Formal alternative emphasizing the act of questioning and specifying the topic.

having been prompted to discuss

Implies that someone encouraged the discussion on a topic.

in response to inquiries regarding

A more formal and elaborate way of introducing a response to questions.

following an inquiry into

Indicates that a statement is made after some form of investigation.

on the subject of being asked

Shifts the focus to the subject and the act of being asked.

after being canvassed about

More specific to situations where opinions are sought from a group of people.

as a reaction to questioning on

Highlights the reactive nature of the statement following the phrase.

FAQs

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

Use "when asked about" to introduce someone's response or opinion on a particular topic. For example, "When asked about the new policy, the manager declined to comment."

What are some alternatives to "when asked about"?

You can use alternatives like "upon being questioned regarding", "in response to inquiries regarding", or "in answer to questions on", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "where asked about" instead of "when asked about"?

No, "where asked about" is not grammatically correct. "When asked about" refers to the time or circumstance of being asked, whereas "where" refers to a location. Use "when asked about" to introduce a response to a question.

What's the difference between "when asked about" and "when speaking about"?

"When asked about" indicates a direct question prompted a response, while "when speaking about" simply refers to a topic someone mentioned, without necessarily being directly asked. The former implies a question-and-answer dynamic.