when you unlock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "when you unlock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are referring to the action of gaining access to something, such as a device, account, or feature, after entering a password or performing a specific action. Example: "When you unlock your phone, you will see the new updates available for download."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

Everything will still be on the shelves when you unlock those doors.

The New York Times

Hidden door handles extend automatically when you unlock the car, a nice technical touch.

The New York Times

And when you unlock the screen to get the text, it opens the SMS app on a screen where you can reply.

The New York Times - Tech

But since other fake call apps simply deliver you to the iPhone's home screen when you unlock the phone, Gotta Go is much better in that respect.

The New York Times - Tech

But the star will turn on when you unlock the car and also when the engine is turned off for the ultimate in automotive look-at-me-I'm-leaving and look-at-me-I've-arrived special effects.

The New York Times

The screen delay sounds as if it's probably caused by lots of widgets/live wallpapers (because that's what has to load when you unlock the device), so if you try removing a few widgets, it should result in a much faster unlock time.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

You can see when you unlocked the badge and if it's retired.

TechCrunch

You know damn well that when you unlocked your iPhone, it'd only be good until the next software update.

TechCrunch

But APIs are everywhere: when a fitness wristband sends your jogging time to a website – that uses an API; when you remotely unlock a car with a mobile app – that uses an API; when you remotely change the temperature in your home thermostat from your office – that uses an API.

The Guardian

Who needs gestural passwords or face recognition when you can unlock your phone like a time-traveling space wizard?

TechCrunch

When you finally unlock high level perks and equipments – you will surely have an obvious edge against other online players.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "when you unlock", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being unlocked, whether it's a device, a feature, or a metaphorical concept. For example, "When you unlock your phone, check for new notifications" is clearer than simply "When you unlock...".

Common error

Avoid using "when you unlock" without specifying what is being unlocked. The phrase loses its impact and clarity if the object of unlocking is ambiguous or missing. Always provide context to ensure the meaning is clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "when you unlock" functions primarily as a temporal clause, introducing a situation or event that occurs at the time of, or immediately following, the action of unlocking something. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase introduces actions related to phones, cars, and games.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

27%

Tech

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "when you unlock" is a versatile and grammatically sound temporal clause used to indicate the occurrence of an event or state immediately following the action of unlocking something. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is correct and frequently used in English writing. Predominantly found in News & Media and Tech contexts, it serves to inform the reader about what to expect or what action to take upon unlocking a device, feature, or even a metaphorical concept. Remember to always provide a clear context for what is being unlocked to maintain clarity and impact in your writing. Alternatives like "upon unlocking" or "after unlocking" can be used to add nuance, but "when you unlock" remains a straightforward and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

upon unlocking

Focuses on the immediate action of unlocking as the trigger.

after unlocking

Emphasizes the sequence of events following the unlocking action.

once you have unlocked

Highlights the completion of the unlocking process.

on unlocking

Similar to "upon unlocking" but slightly more formal.

as soon as you unlock

Emphasizes the immediacy of the event following unlocking.

the moment you unlock

Highlights the specific instant of unlocking.

when access is granted

More formal and emphasizes the granting of access.

subsequent to unlocking

A more formal and less common alternative.

following the unlock

Emphasizes the action of unlocking as a precursor.

after gaining access

Focuses on the result of unlocking – gaining access.

FAQs

How can I use "when you unlock" in a sentence?

You can use "when you unlock" to describe actions or events that occur immediately after gaining access to something. For example, "When you unlock your computer, the startup programs will begin to run."

What are some alternatives to "when you unlock"?

Alternatives include "upon unlocking", "after unlocking", or "once you have unlocked" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "when you will unlock" instead of "when you unlock"?

While grammatically possible in some contexts, "when you unlock" is generally preferred to describe a habitual or expected action. "When you will unlock" implies a future event and might sound awkward. For example, "When you unlock the door, the alarm will disarm" is better than "When you will unlock the door, the alarm will disarm".

What's the difference between "when you unlock" and "after you unlock"?

"When you unlock" implies the action happens at the moment of unlocking, while "after you unlock" suggests a slight delay or sequence of events following the unlocking action. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.