Grammatical and Stylistic Considerations for Contingent Actions

Expressing Conditionality with Temporal Indicators

This entry addresses the effective integration of phrases indicating that an action is contingent upon a preceding indication of need or desire. Such expressions signal that a service, item, or information will be provided only if specifically prompted.

Commonly Used Prepositional Phrases

• Based on a specific instance of asking: Phrases utilizing prepositions to establish this dependence are prevalent. These commonly employ terms like "on," or "following."
• Function as Adverbial Modifiers: These phrases typically act as adverbial modifiers, modifying the verb of the main clause by specifying the condition under which the action occurs.

Elements of Formal and Informal Communication

The level of formality must be considered. More formal settings frequently pair this construction with respectful or professional language. Informal settings allow for more relaxed phrasings, but clarity must still be ensured.

Placement within a Sentence

• Initial Position: Placing the phrase at the beginning can emphasize the conditional nature of the action. This often requires a comma to separate the phrase from the main clause.
• Terminal Position: Positioning the phrase at the end can provide a less forceful or more conversational feel.

Clarity and Avoiding Ambiguity

Ensure the context clearly indicates who is making the indication, and to whom the action will be directed. Pronoun references must be unambiguous to avoid confusion. The requested item or service should also be clearly specified (either directly or through clear contextual cues) to guarantee the provision of the desired response. Precision is vital for clear communication. Consider rephrasing if ambiguity arises.