I ask them

USAGE SUMMARY

"I ask them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a sentence like "I ask them for advice frequently."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I ask them a question.

The New Yorker

That's all I ask them.

The New York Times - Sports

I ask them both.

The Guardian

"I ask them about their secret desires.

The New York Times

But why did I ask them back?

The New Yorker

I ask them if they mind.

The Guardian - Music

I ask them if they have.

The Guardian - Music

Shall I ask them to change it?

The Guardian - Film

I ask them who he is.

The Guardian

I ask them to rebuild my house".

The New York Times

Can I ask them to remove them?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary the phrasing around "I ask them" to add nuance; for example, use "I inquire of them" for a more formal tone or "I pick their brains" for an informal setting.

Common error

In formal documents or academic papers, avoid repetitive use of "I ask them". Opt for more sophisticated alternatives such as "I requested their input" or "I sought their expertise" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I ask them" functions as a declarative clause introducing a question or request directed towards a group of people. It commonly serves to elicit information, seek opinions, or request actions, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I ask them" is a versatile and frequently used expression, primarily functioning to introduce a question or request directed at a group of people. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, though its register leans towards neutral. While highly common in news and media, its adaptability allows for use in formal and informal settings, as highlighted by the numerous real-world examples. For enhanced sophistication, consider alternatives like "I inquire of them" or "I solicit their opinion", ensuring your writing remains engaging and contextually appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I question them

Replaces "ask" with "question", implying a more formal or investigative inquiry.

I inquire of them

Uses "inquire" which suggests a more polite and formal way of asking.

I pose questions to them

Emphasizes the act of presenting questions in a deliberate manner.

I solicit their opinion

Focuses on seeking their viewpoint or advice.

I request information from them

Highlights the need for specific information.

I appeal to them

Suggests making a serious or urgent request.

I consult with them

Implies a collaborative discussion to seek their input.

I probe them with questions

Suggests a thorough and persistent line of questioning.

I quiz them

Uses "quiz" which suggests a more informal and quick way of asking.

I interrogate them

Replaces "ask" with "interrogate", implying a more intense and formal inquiry, often associated with legal or official investigations.

FAQs

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

You can use "I ask them" to introduce a question or request, for example, "I ask them about their experiences" or "I ask them to provide feedback".

What are some alternatives to "I ask them"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "I question them", "I inquire of them", or "I solicit their opinion".

Is "I ask them" formal or informal?

"I ask them" is generally neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider using more sophisticated alternatives.

What's the difference between "I ask them" and "I asked them"?

"I ask them" is present tense, used for current or habitual actions, while "I asked them" is past tense, referring to a specific instance in the past. For example, "I ask them every week" versus "I asked them yesterday".