when prompted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when prompted" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking a person to take an action after something else has occurred. For example, "Please enter your password when prompted."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They chant when prompted.

The New Yorker

They clapped when prompted by their mother.

The New Yorker

Restart you computer when prompted.

Stanford University

Enter your old (current) password when prompted.

Stanford University

Open the file (enable macros when prompted).

Cornell University

Enter your new (proposed) password when prompted.

Stanford University

click Install when prompted.

TechCrunch

Couldn't smile when prompted.

Vice

You couldn't smile when prompted.

Vice

Click "Run" when prompted.

WikiHow

When prompted, click 'Yes'.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when prompted" to clearly indicate that an action should only be taken after a specific cue or instruction has been given. This avoids ambiguity and ensures correct timing.

Common error

Avoid phrasing instructions solely in the passive voice. Instead of just saying "Action should be taken when prompted", specify who should take the action, making the instruction more direct and actionable. For example, "The user should click 'OK' "when prompted"".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when prompted" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating the timing or condition under which an action should be performed. The Ludwig examples clarify this usage across diverse scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

53%

News & Media

15%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

20%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when prompted" serves as an adverbial clause of time, providing instructions on when to perform a specific action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts, particularly in instructional materials. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for both formal and informal communication. Common contexts for its use include Wiki pages, news articles, and academic materials. To avoid monotony, consider alternatives like "upon being asked" or "at the given cue".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

following the prompt

Directly references the prompt being followed.

when instructed

Emphasizes the presence of explicit instructions.

as directed

Implies following a direction or order.

upon being asked

Replaces "when prompted" with a more formal tone, emphasizing the act of asking.

on receiving the signal

Similar to "at the given cue" but slightly more formal.

at the given cue

Focuses on a specific signal or cue as the trigger for action.

once notified

Emphasizes the action occurring after notification.

after the request

Highlights the action coming after a request is made.

if a signal is given

Highlights the conditional nature of the action based on receiving a signal.

subject to a prompt

A more technical or formal alternative.

FAQs

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

Use "when prompted" to instruct someone to take an action after a specific condition is met or a cue is given. For example, "Enter your password "when prompted"".

What can I say instead of "when prompted"?

You can use alternatives like "upon being asked", "at the given cue", or "when instructed" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "when prompted" in formal writing?

Yes, "when prompted" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. Its appropriateness largely depends on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure. Consider alternatives like "upon request" for very formal contexts.

What's the difference between ""when prompted"" and "if prompted"?

"When prompted" implies a greater degree of certainty that the prompt will occur, whereas "if prompted" suggests the prompt might not necessarily happen. Therefore, "when prompted" is more suitable for sequential instructions.