diff --git a/datalad/ui/dialog.py b/datalad/ui/dialog.py
index 4d217fd454..34b8ccc757 100644
--- a/datalad/ui/dialog.py
+++ b/datalad/ui/dialog.py
@@ -373,7 +373,7 @@ def question(self,
                  repeat=None):
         if not can_prompt():
             # we are not interactive
-            raise RuntimeError('Interactive input not available for `ui.question()` in annex remotes')
+            raise RuntimeError('A terminal required for interactive input in annex remotes')
         return super(UnderAnnexUI, self).question(
             text,
             title=title,