when asked to comment on

USAGE SUMMARY

"when asked to comment on" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
For example, "The Prime Minister, when asked to comment on the situation, released a statement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Monaco echoed this view after the match, when asked to comment on Nadal's performance.

The New York Times - Sports

When asked to comment on the continuing cross removals, he stood up and walked out.

Independent

When asked to comment on the page's content, the administrators failed to respond.

Independent

Ms. Dwimoh declined when asked to comment on how she found Mr. Schwartz as an adversary.

The New York Times

When asked to comment on the trade, Thomas hesitated before saying, "What's done is done".

The New York Times - Sports

When asked to comment on this scene, Alan Raymond said, "I did push him.

The New Yorker

"Oh," said Mrs. E., when asked to comment on the news that her husband's invitation had been withdrawn.

The New Yorker

He wore that same blasé expression this week when asked to comment on new allegations connected with his program.

The New York Times - Sports

When asked to comment on this mother in a session with "60 Minutes," the Newtown family members were measured but fair.

The New York Times

When asked to comment on the rumors, a Rockstar spokesperson told me, "We'd prefer to keep an air of mystery surrounding the topic.

The New Yorker

"It has made clear that nothing of the sort will happen," the spokesman said when asked to comment on the statement by Mr. Gilani.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when asked to comment on", ensure the context clearly indicates who is asking and who is commenting. This provides clarity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid vagueness by explicitly stating who was "asked to comment on". Failing to specify the source of the comment can weaken the statement's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when asked to comment on" functions as an introductory clause. It prefaces a statement, indicating that the speaker is responding to a question or request for their opinion or perspective. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, this usage is grammatically correct and frequently observed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when asked to comment on" is a grammatically sound and widely used phrase that introduces a response to a specific inquiry. As Ludwig AI highlights, it functions as an introductory clause, setting the context for the following statement. Predominantly found in news and media sources, its use extends to wiki and science, making it versatile across different registers. To ensure clarity, always specify who is being asked and who is providing the comment. Remember there are also several alternative phrases that may fit the context better depending on the intention of the text.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon being questioned about

Replaces 'when asked' with 'upon being questioned', emphasizing the timing and nature of the inquiry.

in response to inquiries about

Focuses on the act of replying to questions, adding a formal tone.

when prompted for their opinion on

Highlights the act of encouraging someone to share their thoughts.

after being solicited for feedback on

Emphasizes a formal request for input or evaluation.

following a request for their views on

Similar to 'when asked', but adds a layer of formality by specifying a 'request'.

having been invited to share their perspective on

Highlights the invitation aspect, suggesting a more open-ended solicitation.

when approached for input regarding

Focuses on the act of being approached, implying a direct and personal request.

being canvassed for thoughts on

Indicates a systematic or thorough solicitation of opinions.

after receiving an invitation to discuss

Emphasizes the invitation to have a discussion rather than just giving a simple comment.

in the context of being interviewed about

Positions the request within the context of a formal interview.

FAQs

How can I use "when asked to comment on" in a sentence?

You can use "when asked to comment on" to introduce someone's response to a specific issue. For instance, "The CEO, "when asked to comment on" the merger, declined to provide details."

What are some alternatives to "when asked to comment on"?

Alternatives include phrases like "upon being questioned about", "in response to inquiries about", or "when prompted for their opinion on", each varying slightly in formality and emphasis.

Is it always necessary to include "when asked to comment on"?

No, it's not always necessary. If the context already implies that a statement is a response to a question, you can simply state the person's response directly. However, including "when asked to comment on" can provide context and clarity, especially in formal writing.

What's the difference between "when asked to comment on" and "when invited to comment on"?

"When asked to comment on" implies a general inquiry, while "when invited to comment on" suggests a more formal or deliberate request for their opinion. The latter indicates that the person was specifically chosen or given a platform to express their views.