when you are ready

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when you are ready" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone should proceed or take action at their own pace or when they feel prepared. Example: "Feel free to start the presentation when you are ready."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tell me when you are ready.

The New York Times

"Tell us when you are ready," they said.

The Economist

When you are ready to apply, access the online application.

Stanford University

Much later, when you are ready to retire.

The New York Times - Magazine

If not now then when you are ready".

The Guardian

Because why should your dad decide when you are ready?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When you are ready, you can do both without assistance.

The New York Times - Tech

When you are ready, you will come back.

The Washington Post

Please return it to me when you are ready to begin your explanation.

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Do it when you are ready.

Huffington Post

A full time job will come, when you are ready.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "when you are ready" to give someone control over the timing of an action, fostering a sense of comfort and preparedness.

Common error

Avoid using "when you are ready" if there's an actual deadline or expectation for immediate action, as it can create confusion or false expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when you are ready" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main clause by indicating when the action should take place. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase prefaces instructions or offers reassurance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

36%

News & Media

25%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when you are ready" is a versatile and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that someone should proceed at their own pace. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability across various contexts. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, this phrase is very common in Wiki and News & Media, offering a neutral and supportive tone. While adaptable to formal settings, alternatives like "at your convenience" might be more suitable in specific professional contexts. Remembering its core function—granting control—ensures effective and considerate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceed when you're ready

This option uses a more formal verb ('proceed') to convey the same meaning.

begin when you are ready

Using 'begin' instead of 'start' maintains the same meaning with a slight shift in tone.

start when you are ready

Using 'start' instead of 'begin' maintains the same meaning with a slight shift in tone.

when you feel prepared

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of readiness as the determining factor.

whenever you're prepared

This alternative provides a more flexible timeframe, suggesting no specific deadline.

at your convenience

This phrase suggests doing something when it is easiest or most suitable for the person.

when you're set

A more informal way to say 'when you are ready'.

when you are all set

Implies that all preparations are complete and the person is ready.

when you're good to go

An informal way to indicate readiness to start or proceed.

feel free to start anytime

This encourages someone to begin without pressure, at their own pace.

FAQs

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

You can use "when you are ready" to indicate that someone should start or proceed with something at their own pace. For example, "Start the presentation "when you are ready"."

What phrases are similar to "when you are ready"?

Alternatives include phrases like "at your convenience", "when you feel prepared", or "when you're good to go", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "when you are ready" in a formal setting?

Yes, "when you are ready" is generally acceptable in both formal and informal settings. However, in very formal situations, consider using a more sophisticated alternative like "at your convenience".

Can I use "when you are ready" when there is a deadline?

It's best to avoid using "when you are ready" if there is a strict deadline, as it might imply flexibility where none exists. In such cases, it's better to state the deadline clearly and offer assistance if needed.