when ready

USAGE SUMMARY

"when ready" is a correct usage of English.
You can use it to refer to a point in time when something is expected to be finished or prepared. For example: "Please let me know when ready to begin the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Climb when ready".

The New York Times - Travel

When ready, add the beans.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When ready, use according to your recipe.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When ready to cook, wipe with a cold, damp cloth.

The New York Times

He will return soon to the track when ready".

Independent

When ready to eat, wrap in nori strips and serve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The females appear only when ready to conceive.

The New Yorker

When ready to eat, heat the oven to 210C.

Independent

Press Apply when ready (Fig. 24).

3D Printing in Medicine

When ready to use, place gels in running tank.

Biophysics Reports

Reheat when ready to eat.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when ready" to clearly signal that an action should be taken only after a specific preparation or condition is met. This avoids premature actions or assumptions.

Common error

While "when ready" is versatile, avoid overuse in formal contexts. Opt for more precise alternatives like "upon completion" or "at the designated time" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when ready" functions as an adverbial phrase or relative clause, modifying a verb by indicating the time at which an action should be performed. Ludwig AI shows numerous examples where it precedes an imperative verb, instructing the reader to perform the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "when ready" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate that an action should be taken once a particular state of preparedness has been achieved. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, from providing instructions to signaling availability. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider more formal alternatives in professional or academic settings. The examples from Ludwig show that "when ready" is frequently employed in instructional contexts, offering guidance on when to proceed with a particular step or action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

once prepared

Focuses on the state of being prepared rather than the timing.

when it's suitable

Highlights the suitability of the time.

upon completion

Highlights the finished state of something.

once everything is set

Emphasizes the complete preparation of all elements.

at the appropriate time

Emphasizes suitability and timing.

after preparation

Focuses on the completion of the preparation process.

as soon as you're set

More informal, focusing on personal readiness.

when you are good to go

More informal, indicating readiness to proceed.

when the time is right

Implies a degree of opportunity or auspiciousness.

at your convenience

Prioritizes the listener's availability.

FAQs

How do I use "when ready" in a sentence?

You can use "when ready" to indicate the timing of an action based on a state of preparedness, like in the sentence, "Click 'Burn' "when ready"."

What are some alternatives to "when ready"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "once prepared", "at the appropriate time", or "as soon as you're set".

Is it ever incorrect to use "when ready"?

While grammatically correct, "when ready" might be too informal for certain professional or academic contexts. In those cases, consider using alternatives like "upon completion" or "at the designated time".

What's the nuance between "when ready" and "if ready"?

"When ready" implies that the state of readiness is expected, and the action will definitely occur. "If ready" suggests the action is contingent on whether readiness is achieved.