prompt someone

Meaning

In theater and television, to 'prompt someone' means to whisper or supply the next line of dialogue to an actor who has forgotten it. In a broader sense, it can also mean to encourage, remind, or nudge someone to speak or take action. It is a helpful and supportive action, usually done discreetly.

Examples

• If I forget my lines during the opening scene, can you prompt me from the wings?

  If I forget my lines during the opening scene, can you prompt me from the wings?

• The director had to prompt the lead actor several times during the dress rehearsal.

  The director had to prompt the lead actor several times during the dress rehearsal.

• She stood offstage ready to prompt anyone who stumbled over their dialogue.

  She stood offstage ready to prompt anyone who stumbled over their dialogue.

• I didn't want to interrupt, but I had to prompt him to mention the budget.

  I didn't want to interrupt, but I had to prompt him to mention the budget.

• The talk show host gently prompted the guest to share her favorite story from the set.

  The talk show host gently prompted the guest to share her favorite story from the set.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The director told me to prompt him the line.

  ✓ The director told me to prompt him.

  'Prompt' takes the person as the direct object. You do not 'prompt a line to someone' or 'prompt someone the line'; you simply 'prompt someone'.

• ✗ I need you to prompt me on my homework.

  ✓ I need you to remind me about my homework.

  'Prompt' is used for reminding someone of spoken words or immediate actions in real-time, not for general reminders about tasks or chores.

Related Expressions

Practice

• When the actress froze on stage, the stage manager had to ___ her.

  💡 Give her the next line.

  Show answer

  prompt

• Don't worry about forgetting your speech; I'll be in the front row to ___ you if needed.

  💡 Remind you of what to say next.

  Show answer

  prompt