I ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence "I ask" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used in a variety of contexts, but it typically introduces a question or request. Example 1: I ask that you please refrain from using your phone during the meeting. Example 2: As a journalist, my job is to ask difficult questions and seek the truth. Example 3: Before we begin, I ask everyone to turn off their electronic devices. Example 4: I ask, can you please pick up some milk on your way home? Example 5: In my research, I ask participants to reflect on their experiences with mental health.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I ask.

The New York Times

"What?" I ask.

The New York Times

Why not, I ask.

The New York Times

"No wine?" I ask.

The New York Times

I ask the Internet.

The New York Times

And I ask questions.

The New Yorker

"The shipwreck?" I ask.

The New Yorker

I ask, why not?

The New York Times

I ask that earnestly.

The New York Times

"Who?" I ask.

The New Yorker

"You mean…?" I ask.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I ask" to introduce a direct question or request for information in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While versatile, avoid excessive repetition of "I ask" in formal writing. Opt for varied sentence structures and alternative phrases such as "I inquire" or "My question is" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "I ask" is to introduce a direct question or express a polite request. Ludwig provides many examples of its usage in various contexts, confirming its role in seeking information or clarification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I ask" is a versatile and frequently used expression in the English language. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its primary function as an introducer for direct questions or polite requests. As evidenced by Ludwig, "I ask" appears most commonly in "News & Media" contexts, with secondary usage in "Science" and "Formal & Business" settings, reflecting its adaptability across different registers. While the phrase is typically neutral, being mindful of overuse, especially in formal writing, is advisable, with alternatives such as "I inquire" or "My question is" being useful substitutions. Overall, "I ask" is a valuable tool in communication, suitable for eliciting responses and initiating dialogue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

What I'm asking is

Focuses on clarifying the intended meaning or purpose of the question.

May I ask

Adds a polite or formal tone to the question.

I inquire

Replaces "ask" with a more formal synonym, suggesting a slightly more deliberate or official tone.

I question

Emphasizes the act of questioning, potentially implying a critical or investigative approach.

I would ask

Expresses a conditional or hypothetical question.

I'd like to know

Introduces a desire for information, softening the directness of the query.

Let me ask you

Directly introduces a question, often used to engage the listener.

My question is

Highlights the question itself, often used in formal settings.

Could you tell me

Shifts the focus to the person being asked, implying a request for information.

I wonder

Expresses curiosity or uncertainty, leading into a question.

FAQs

How can I use "I ask" in a sentence?

Use "I ask" to directly introduce a question, such as "I ask, what is the capital of France?" or to make a polite request, like "I ask that you please remain seated during the performance."

What are some alternatives to "I ask"?

You can use alternatives like "I inquire", "I question", or "May I ask" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to start a sentence with "I ask" in academic writing?

Yes, it is acceptable to start a sentence with "I ask" in academic writing, particularly when posing a research question or seeking clarification. However, ensure that the tone remains formal and professional.

How does the formality of "I ask" compare to phrases like "I was wondering"?

"I ask" is generally more direct and can be used in both formal and informal settings, whereas "I was wondering" is typically more polite and suitable for less formal situations.