diff --git a/scripts/startup/bl_operators/anim.py b/scripts/startup/bl_operators/anim.py
index 0c65ca80d8d..3e6f77a354e 100644
--- a/scripts/startup/bl_operators/anim.py
+++ b/scripts/startup/bl_operators/anim.py
@@ -686,7 +686,7 @@ class ANIM_OT_slot_new_for_id(Operator):
         if not animated_id:
             return False
         if not animated_id.animation_data or not animated_id.animation_data.action:
-            cls.poll_message_set("An action slot can only be created when an action was assigned")
+            cls.poll_message_set("An action slot can only be created when an action is assigned")
             return False
         if not animated_id.animation_data.action.is_action_layered:
             cls.poll_message_set("Action slots are only supported by layered Actions. Upgrade this Action first")