when you're ready

USAGE SUMMARY

"when you're ready" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something will commence when the reader/listener is prepared to move ahead. For example: "Let me know when you're ready, and I'll start the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Sign when you're ready.

The New York Times

Let me know when you're ready".

The New York Times

"When you're ready, we deliver".

The New York Times - Style

They'll come to you when you're ready.

The New York Times

"Tell me when you're ready," Darrin answered.

The New York Times - Arts

When you're ready, leave – fully armed.

The Guardian - Money

Only tell people when you're ready.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When you're ready, you will meet someone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You'll meet him when you're ready.

The New Yorker

You never know when you're ready.

The New York Times - Sports

When you're ready, call me up".

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when you're ready" to give someone control over the timing of an action or decision. This can be particularly effective in situations where the person might feel pressured or uncertain.

Common error

Avoid using "when you're ready" in highly formal or professional settings where a more direct and specific timeframe is expected. Instead, consider phrases like "at your earliest convenience" or "upon completion of the task".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when you're ready" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by specifying the condition under which the action in the main clause will occur. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common and grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

35%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "when you're ready" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something will happen once someone feels prepared. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a relative clause. Its neutral register and frequent usage across various contexts, particularly in news, media and how-to guides, make it a reliable choice for granting autonomy and indicating patience. While alternatives exist, "when you're ready" remains a straightforward and effective way to communicate allowance for individual timing and readiness. The expert rating reflects this widespread applicability and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

once you're ready

Synonymous, but places emphasis on the moment readiness is achieved.

as soon as you're ready

Highlights immediacy upon achieving readiness, adding urgency.

when you feel prepared

Highlights the feeling of being equipped or ready, unlike simply being ready.

when you're good to go

An informal way to express readiness to start, adding a casual tone.

when you are set

Focuses on being arranged or prepared, shifting the emphasis slightly.

at your convenience

Emphasizes timing based on the user's ease and suitability, differing from readiness.

when you are willing

Centers on willingness or consent, unlike the neutral state of readiness.

in your own time

Stresses the absence of time pressure, changing the focus from readiness.

when the time is right for you

Focuses on opportune timing rather than simple preparedness.

when you deem it appropriate

Emphasizes judgment and suitability, distinct from mere readiness.

FAQs

How can I use "when you're ready" in a sentence?

You can use "when you're ready" to indicate that an action or process should begin only after someone feels prepared or willing. For example, "Let me know "when you're ready" to start the presentation".

What are some alternatives to "when you're ready"?

Alternatives include "at your convenience", "when you feel prepared", or "in your own time". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "when you are ready" more formal than "when you're ready"?

Yes, "when you are ready" is slightly more formal than "when you're ready", because it uses the full form of the verb "to be". However, both are generally acceptable in most situations.

Can "when you're ready" be used to create a sense of anticipation or expectation?

Yes, "when you're ready" can imply that something significant will happen once the person indicates their readiness. For example, "When you're ready, we'll reveal the surprise".