when spoken to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when spoken to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something happened in response to verbal communication. For example, "He explained his plan when spoken to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dearth talks only when spoken to.

The New York Times - Sports

They did not speak, even when spoken to.

The New York Times

They speak when spoken to and otherwise shut up.

The New York Times - Arts

You will speak only when spoken to, even when interacting with babies and family members.

The New York Times

Do you often seem not to listen when spoken to directly?

The New York Times - Health

In turn, a "social" light beams when spoken to, as though flattered by attention.

The New York Times

I have had to learn only to speak when spoken to, in meetings.

The Guardian - Opinion

Their job was to sit looking up at Brown adoringly, and speak when spoken to.

The Guardian

Instead Winnie speaks only when spoken to, and otherwise keeps filling her notebook.

The New York Times

She was only allowed to speak when spoken to, or he'd beat her up.

The Guardian

In this area of this grandstand, I still only speak when spoken to.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when spoken to" to describe a situation where a response or action is contingent upon being addressed verbally. It clearly indicates a cause-and-effect relationship in communication.

Common error

Avoid using "when spoken to" when the active voice is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The manager was confused when spoken to by the employee", use "The employee's speech confused the manager."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when spoken to" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main verb by indicating when an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use. Examples from Ludwig show diverse contexts, from describing behaviors to setting rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when spoken to" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that acts as an adverbial clause of time. It describes a conditional action prompted by verbal communication. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Wiki. To ensure clarity, avoid misusing it in place of the active voice. Consider alternatives like "when addressed" to refine your expression. By understanding its function and purpose, you can effectively integrate "when spoken to" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

when addressed

This alternative focuses on the act of directing speech towards someone, emphasizing the initiation of the conversation.

when someone talks to them

This alternative is more descriptive and less formal, specifying the action of speaking to someone.

when verbally prompted

This alternative highlights the verbal cue or encouragement that elicits a response.

upon being spoken to

This alternative uses a more formal tone, indicating an immediate response to being addressed.

when a person speaks to them

This alternative is a more explicit and less concise version of the original phrase.

if someone is talking to them

This alternative introduces a conditional aspect, suggesting that a response occurs only if someone is currently speaking to them.

after being addressed

This alternative emphasizes the sequence of events, indicating that the response comes after the act of addressing.

in response to speech

This alternative is more abstract and focuses on the general reaction to spoken language.

when communicated with verbally

This alternative highlights the mode of communication, emphasizing the verbal aspect.

once spoken with

This alternative suggests that the action takes place after the conversation has begun.

FAQs

How can I use "when spoken to" in a sentence?

You can use "when spoken to" to indicate that someone responds or reacts only after being addressed. For example, "The dog wags its tail "when spoken to" in a friendly tone".

What are some alternatives to "when spoken to"?

Alternatives include "when addressed", "upon being spoken to", or "in response to speech", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to use a comma before "when spoken to"?

Whether to use a comma before "when spoken to" depends on the sentence structure. If the phrase is essential to the meaning of the sentence, no comma is needed. If it adds extra information, use a comma.

What's the difference between "when spoken to" and "when talking to"?

"When spoken to" implies a passive reception of speech and a subsequent reaction. "When talking to", on the other hand, implies an active conversation and a continuous exchange of words. For example, "He listens carefully "when spoken to"", versus "They laugh "when talking to" each other".