when clicked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when clicked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to refer to something happening after a click of a mouse or a button. Example sentence: A new window will appear when clicked.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Media files are automatically played when clicked, or they can be right-clicked and downloaded.

TechCrunch

When clicked or tapped, these links instantly surface more information.

The Washington Post

Areas highlighted in yellow contain additional information when clicked.

The Washington Post

When clicked there were eight stories, including two unrelated Murdoch stories.

The Guardian

Similarly, websites contain links which, when clicked on, take the user to another website.

The Guardian

Some phishers are embedding their missives with links that, when clicked, download spyware onto your computer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

BE careful when clicking "send".

The New York Times

I get nothing when clicking REPLY.

Harvard University

Other email will be shown only when clicking on Mail.

The Guardian - Tech

They get easily derailed when clicking on links by mistake.

HuffPost

When clicking the link of "Detail", users will be directed to the detail page.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when clicked" to clearly indicate the action that triggers a specific outcome or event in user interfaces and technical documentation.

Common error

Don't use "when clicked" if the context doesn't clearly define what the user is clicking on. Always ensure the element being clicked is explicitly mentioned or easily understood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when clicked" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying a verb by specifying when an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. This phrase typically introduces a description of what happens immediately after a user interacts with a clickable element.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when clicked" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase functioning as an adverbial clause of time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English. Primarily found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, it serves to explain the behavior of interactive elements. Although generally neutral, its formality can vary. Consider alternatives like "upon clicking" or "after a click" for variety. Be mindful of clearly defining the element being clicked to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon clicking

Replaces "when" with "upon", emphasizing the immediacy of the action.

after a click

Specifies the action as a click, focusing on the result that follows.

by clicking

Highlights the click as the method of achieving a result.

on clicking

Similar to "upon clicking", but with a slightly more formal tone.

clicking initiates

Emphasizes the click as the starting point of a process.

when activated

Broader term suitable when the action isn't necessarily a click.

upon activation

Similar to "when activated", but with a greater emphasis on the starting action.

after activation

Specifies that a period of time has passed after the action is completed.

by activating

Emphasizes the activation as the way to start an event.

clicking triggers

Indicates that the click causes something to happen.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "when clicked" for variety?

You can use alternatives like "upon clicking", "after a click", or "by clicking" to add variety to your writing.

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

Yes, it's grammatically correct to start a sentence with "when clicked", especially in technical documentation or instructions. For example: "When clicked, the application will launch."

What is the difference between "when clicked" and "if clicked"?

"When clicked" indicates a definite action and result, while "if clicked" implies a conditional action. "When clicked" suggests the action will happen, while "if clicked" suggests it might happen, depending on other factors.

Can I use "when tapped" instead of "when clicked" on mobile devices?

Yes, "when tapped" is a suitable alternative to "when clicked" when referring to actions on touch-based devices like smartphones and tablets.