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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak quote

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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I'm simply asking

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"As a psychiatrist," he added, "I was trying to figure out why in the world I would be rejected when I'm simply asking to have it sung in the key of G" so that tens of thousands of people "could experience the thrill of being able to sing it together".

News & Media

The New York Times

Nobody's saying Google+ is dead, I'm simply asking if you find it to be true that public posting is declining, which 89n's data suggests.

News & Media

TechCrunch

I'm simply asking the questions the public wants to know.

News & Media

Huffington Post

I'm not advocating for lying to your child, I'm simply asking that you lessen the blow a bit.

News & Media

HuffPost

I'm simply asking the question". The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, she said, has the right to acknowledge whomever it chooses and to invite whomever it chooses.

News & Media

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I am simply asking if you did know it was there.

"I am simply asking for many more buses and bus lanes — a complete change in mobility.

News & Media

The New York Times

I think I was not asking follow-up questions, I was simply asking like a random list of questions.

"I am simply asking the federal government to allow banks to work with legitimate marijuana businesses who are licensed under state law," he said.

News & Media

The New York Times

Speaking of the PD meeting, the prime minister added: "I am simply asking for clarity... Resignations aren't handed in because of gossip or ruses… I think everyone should express themselves explicitly.

News & Media

The Guardian

I was simply asking him to talk about stuff that he'd talked about before".

News & Media

Vice
Show more...

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I'm simply asking" to gently introduce a question or request, especially when you want to avoid sounding confrontational or demanding.

Common error

Avoid using "simply" too often in your writing. Overuse can make your tone sound condescending or undermine the importance of what you're saying. Consider alternative ways to phrase your questions or requests.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I'm simply asking" functions as a preface to a question or request, aiming to soften the tone and preemptively address potential defensiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I'm simply asking" is a phrase used to introduce a question or request in a polite and non-confrontational manner. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and primarily found in news and media contexts. While its frequency is relatively rare, the phrase serves to soften the tone of an inquiry, making it less demanding. Remember to be mindful of overuse, as it can undermine your message. The provided alternatives offer various ways to express a similar sentiment with subtle differences in formality and emphasis.

FAQs

What does "I'm simply asking" imply?

It implies a gentle and non-confrontational approach to asking a question or making a request. It suggests the speaker is not trying to be difficult or make demands.

How can I rephrase "I'm simply asking" to sound more formal?

You could use alternatives such as "I am merely inquiring" or may I ask. These options add a layer of politeness and formality.

When is it appropriate to use "I'm simply asking"?

It's appropriate when you want to soften the impact of your question or request, especially in situations where the other person might feel defensive or pressured. Using this phrase communicates that your intention is not to cause trouble.

What's the difference between "I'm simply asking" and "I'm just wondering"?

"I'm simply asking" emphasizes the act of asking a question, while "I'm just wondering" focuses on a state of curiosity. The former is more direct as it prepares someone to listen to a question. The latter is less direct.

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Source & Trust

81%

Authority and reliability

4.1/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: