when asked to do so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when asked to do so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action should be taken only if a request is made for it. Example: "The team will provide assistance when asked to do so, ensuring that everyone has the support they need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

However, when asked to do so, historians have viewed four of the five unsympathetically.

The New York Times

Indeed, it did not delete them even when asked to do so by the family.

The Guardian

They sat down and remained quiet when asked to do so.

The New York Times

David Cameron pointedly failed to defend Trident yesterday when asked to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

Aid agencies operate under strict remits and often only when asked to do so by a country's government.

Independent

Restaurants should serve water only when asked to do so; car washes are asked to use recycled water.

The New York Times

He could recite moral rules; he could even, when asked to do so in court, recite Kant's famous categorical imperative.

The Guardian - Opinion

Under that law, Internet sites are required to take down links to specific pirated material when asked to do so by a copyright holder.

The New York Times - Tech

Mr. Jeftovic decided it would be hypocritical to make so much noise about having not abandoned WikiLeaks and then not help the organization when asked to do so.

The New York Times

On at least three occasions she came to work with the cross visible under her uniform but concealed it when asked to do so.

Independent

They were arrested after going into a whites-only waiting room and refusing to move on when asked to do so by police.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when asked to do so" to clearly indicate that an action or behavior is contingent upon a specific request or instruction. This helps avoid ambiguity and ensures that actions are performed only when necessary.

Common error

While generally acceptable, excessive use of "when asked to do so" in formal writing can sound repetitive. Consider using more concise alternatives like "upon request" or "if requested" to vary your sentence structure and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when asked to do so" functions as an adverbial clause of condition, modifying a verb or clause by specifying the circumstances under which an action occurs. It indicates that the action is contingent upon a request being made. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when asked to do so" is a versatile adverbial clause used to specify that an action or behavior is conditional upon a request. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, including news, science, and formal communication. While "when asked to do so" is generally acceptable, it's important to consider the context and choose alternatives like "upon request" or "if requested" for more concise or formal writing. Common errors involve overuse in formal contexts, where more succinct alternatives may be preferable. This ensures clarity and avoids repetition, maintaining a professional tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as requested

Indicates compliance with a previous request.

if requested

Directly states a condition based on whether a request is made.

upon request

More concise and formal; emphasizes the availability of something when requested.

if there is a request

States that action occurs only if a request exists.

when prompted

Implies a more active initiation of the request.

if called upon

Suggests a formal or official request for action.

when directed to

Implies a hierarchical or authoritative instruction.

on demand

Highlights the immediacy and availability of the action.

if someone asks

More informal; emphasizes the personal aspect of the request.

should the need arise

Focuses on the potential future need for a request.

FAQs

How can I use "when asked to do so" in a sentence?

You can use "when asked to do so" to indicate that an action is performed only if someone requests it. For example, "Restaurants should only serve water "when asked to do so"".

What are some alternatives to "when asked to do so"?

Alternatives include "upon request", "if requested", or "as requested". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it more formal to say "when asked to do so" or "upon request"?

"Upon request" is generally considered more formal and concise than "when asked to do so". The latter is more common in everyday language.

How does "when asked to do so" differ from "when told to do so"?

"When asked to do so" implies a request, while "when told to do so" ("when told to do so") implies an order or instruction. The former suggests a level of politeness or choice, while the latter suggests authority.