I ask that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I ask that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a request or expressing a desire for someone to do something. Example: "I ask that you please submit your report by the end of the week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I ask that justice be done for this killing.

The Guardian

And also it's the end of my time, and so I ask that question.

The New York Times - Arts

And by the way, I ask that question not just when I'm getting ready to hire somebody; I ask that question of people who are in a lot of lower levels within the organization.

The New York Times

Why does she think, I ask, that student voter turnout is so low?

The Guardian

Can I ask that?

Huffington Post

"Am I communicating?" I ask that question all the time.

Huffington Post

"What Do I Want?" when I ask that question.

Huffington Post

I ask that earnestly.

The New York Times

I ask that sincerely.

The New Yorker

I ask that question a lot.

Independent

"I ask that you defeat it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I ask that" when you want to make a polite request or express a desire for someone to take a specific action. Be clear and specific about what you are requesting.

Common error

While grammatically correct, using "I ask that" in very casual conversations can sound overly formal. Consider using more relaxed alternatives like "Could you please...?" or simply stating your request directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I ask that" functions as a polite request initiator, typically followed by a clause outlining the specific action or behavior being requested. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as demonstrated by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I ask that" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to make polite requests or express desired actions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its usability across various contexts, with a primary presence in news and media. While generally neutral to professional in register, it's important to consider the formality of the situation and opt for simpler alternatives in casual settings. Remember to be clear and specific when using this phrase to ensure your request is well-understood. Related phrases like "I request that" offer similar ways to express your desires, each with slightly different connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I would ask that

Softer, more polite version of the original phrase

I request that

More formal alternative, suitable for official requests.

I urge that

Conveys a sense of urgency or strong recommendation.

I suggest that

Offers a polite recommendation or advice.

I propose that

Introduces a formal suggestion for consideration.

I recommend that

Suggests a course of action based on expertise or experience.

I move that

Formal way to introduce a proposal in a meeting.

I appeal for

Implies a more emotional or urgent request.

I entreat you to

Highly formal and emphasizes a sincere request.

I implore you to

Conveys a desperate or earnest plea.

FAQs

How to use "I ask that" in a sentence?

Use "I ask that" to introduce a polite request or express a desired action. For example, "I ask that you submit your report by the end of the week."

What can I say instead of "I ask that"?

You can use alternatives like "I request that", "I urge that", or "I suggest that" depending on the context.

Is "I ask that" formal or informal?

"I ask that" is generally considered somewhat formal. In very informal settings, simpler phrases might be more appropriate.

When should I use "I ask that" versus "Please"?

Use "I ask that" when you want to make a more specific or emphasized request, often followed by a clause. "Please" is a more general indicator of politeness. For example, "I ask that you consider all factors before making a decision" versus "Please consider all factors."