when heated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when heated" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to introduce a dependent clause that describes what happens when something is heated. Example: When heated, the metal expands and becomes more malleable.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All nitrates decompose when heated and may do so explosively.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Because gases become buoyant when heated, flames ordinarily burn upward.

The New Yorker

When heated, it forms a mixture of NO and NO2.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When heated they undergo molecular rearrangement (Curtius rearrangement), forming isocyanates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It expands both when heated and when cooled.

The Economist

They do not melt when heated but swell and decompose.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Others lose fat when heated and end up tasting terrible.

The Economist

The latter substance, when heated, emits brilliant white light.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Vermiculite flakes puff up like popcorn when heated.

The New York Times - Science

Raw fish can host parasites, which die when heated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Such receipts have a thermal-sensitive layer that, when heated, produces color.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when heated" to clearly indicate a direct cause-and-effect relationship where the application of heat results in a specific change or outcome.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "when heated" implies a universal reaction. Be specific about the substance or system being heated and the resulting changes, as different materials react differently to heat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when heated" functions as an adverbial clause of time or condition, introducing a situation that triggers a particular result. As shown by Ludwig, this clause sets the stage for describing the change or effect caused by applying heat to a substance or system.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

25%

Encyclopedias

18%

Less common in

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when heated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, serving as an adverbial clause to explain the effects of applying heat. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use across diverse contexts. It is prevalent in scientific and technical writing, news articles, and general explanations. The phrase's neutral register and clear cause-and-effect implication make it a valuable tool for precise and informative communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon heating

Emphasizes the immediate effect of heat application, similar to "when heated" but with a more formal tone.

on being heated

Highlights the process of heating as the condition for the subsequent action.

if heated

Presents a conditional scenario where heating is a prerequisite for something to occur, slightly more hypothetical than "when heated".

after heating

Focuses on the state or action that follows the heating process, rather than the moment it happens.

with the application of heat

Highlights the action of applying heat as the trigger for the change.

due to heating

Specifies that the subsequent event occurs as a direct result of the heating process.

as a result of heating

Similar to "due to heating", emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship.

under thermal conditions

Refers to the environment where heating is applied, a more technical and broad term.

in a heated environment

Similar to "under thermal conditions", but focuses on the surrounding conditions.

at elevated temperatures

Specifies that the effect occurs only when the temperature is significantly high.

FAQs

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

Use "when heated" to introduce a clause that describes what happens to a substance or object upon the application of heat. For example, "When heated, the metal expands."

What are some alternatives to "when heated"?

Alternatives include phrases like "upon heating", "if heated", or "after heating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "where heated" instead of "when heated"?

"Where heated" is grammatically incorrect in this context. "When heated" refers to a time or condition, while "where" refers to a location.

What is the difference between "when heated" and "during heating"?

"When heated" describes what happens as a consequence of the application of heat, whereas "during heating" refers to events occurring concurrently with the heating process.