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Qim Posted 20 years ago
Vocabulary

To prompt

In the following phrase:

he prompted us that the safe was open.

is this a correct use of the verb 'to prompt' with the meaning that unrequested information was advanced?

Thank you
  

Top answer

Prompt (verb) does not carry that meaning. It doesn't really work in this sentence. " to the actor who had forgotten his lines To suggest something or give a reminder to a speaker- While the safe owner was on the phone to the police, a passer-by prompted him to say that the robbers had only just left.

  • Prompt (verb) does not carry that meaning.
  • It doesn't really work in this sentence.
  • " to the actor who had forgotten his lines To suggest something or give a reminder to a speaker- While the safe owner was on the phone to the police, a passer-by prompted him to say that the robbers had only just left.
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4 Answers
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Prompt (verb) does not carry that meaning. It doesn't really work in this sentence.

urge into action - he prompted them to take the money from the safe

Make cause something to happen/to give rise to something - the lack of security prompted them to rob the shop

Provide actor with lines - the promptor whispered the dialogue "the safe is open at last!" to the actor who had
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Uh, yes, I suppose so. Prompting is normally used in more straightforward situations, though-- where someone has forgotten a fact or responsibility:

1. To move to act; spur; incite: A noise prompted the guard to go back and investigate. 2. To give rise to; inspire: The accident prompted a review of school safety policy. 3. To assist with a rem
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Thanks

So, what would be the best verb to use instead with the meaning that unrequested information was advanced?
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Hi,

You might say 'He informed us . . . '

Best wishes, Clive

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