Be asked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Be asked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone should receive a request or inquiry from another person. Example: "You will be asked to provide your feedback during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What will he be asked?

Independent

You have to be asked.

Independent

"I'd rather not be asked".

The New Yorker

"Questions ought to be asked.

Independent

Bloomberg wants to be asked".

The New Yorker

Paula waited to be asked.

The New Yorker

What will people be asked?

Independent

"They like to be asked.

The New Yorker

"Because you'll be asked".

The New York Times - Books

They will be asked to practice.

The New York Times

I was flattered to be asked, though".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be asked" in passive constructions where the recipient of the question or request is the focus, rather than the asker. For example, "Participants will be asked to complete a survey."

Common error

Avoid using "be asked" when an active construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The interviewer was asked questions by the candidate", use "The candidate asked the interviewer questions."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be asked" is to form the passive voice of the verb "ask". It indicates that the subject of the sentence is the recipient, rather than the performer, of the action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with multiple examples where individuals or entities "be asked" to do something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be asked" is a versatile and commonly used phrase that forms the passive voice of the verb "ask". According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news articles, scientific publications, and formal documents. While neutrally formal, the phrase suits various contexts, denoting that someone is the recipient of an inquiry, request, or invitation. When writing, use "be asked" to emphasize the receiver of the action. Remember to consider the surrounding context when deciding between active and passive voice for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be requested

Emphasizes a formal request rather than a general inquiry.

be invited

Suggests a formal or polite solicitation.

be queried

Implies a more formal and possibly official inquiry.

be questioned

Suggests a more direct or possibly skeptical inquiry.

be polled

Indicates a systematic gathering of opinions.

receive a question

Focuses on the act of receiving a question rather than the act of being asked.

be canvassed

Refers to actively seeking opinions or votes.

be subjected to questioning

Highlights a possibly rigorous or formal questioning process.

be prompted

Indicates being encouraged or stimulated to respond.

be approached

Suggests someone is reaching out to get information or an opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "be asked" in a sentence?

Use "be asked" in passive voice constructions where the focus is on the person receiving the question or request. For example: "The students will be asked to submit their assignments by Friday."

What are some alternatives to "be asked"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "be requested", "be invited", or "be questioned".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "be asked"?

The choice depends on the focus. Use the passive voice with "be asked" when the receiver of the action is more important than the actor. Use the active voice when the actor is more relevant.

What's the difference between "be asked" and "be requested"?

"Be asked" is a general term for receiving a question or inquiry, while "be requested" often implies a more formal or official solicitation. The choice depends on the formality and context of the situation.