I asked for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I asked for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a request you made in the past. Example: "I asked for a detailed report on the project status last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Independent

The New York Times

The New Yorker

The Guardian

TechCrunch

Huffington Post

BBC

Vice

CBE Life Sciences Education

WikiHow

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I asked for forgiveness".

Independent

Afterward I asked for opinions.

The New York Times - Arts

I asked for lawn care.

The New York Times

I asked for a beer.

The New Yorker

Here's what I asked for.

Independent

I asked for more details.

The New York Times

I asked for an example.

The New Yorker

I asked for a photo.

The New York Times

I asked for menus.

The New York Times

"I asked for small.

The Guardian - Travel

I asked for directions.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I asked for", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being requested. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I ask for" when referring to a past request. Use "I asked for" to maintain correct tense and clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I asked for" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that the speaker made a request. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It is used to report a past action where the speaker sought something from someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Independent

10%

The New York Times

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I asked for" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a past request. Ludwig AI validates its proper use across various contexts. Its frequency and neutral register make it suitable for a wide range of communication scenarios, primarily in news and media. When writing, ensure that the tense is consistent and the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For more formal situations consider the alternatives. The phrase's prevalence in authoritative sources reinforces its reliability and appropriateness in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I requested

Replaces "asked" with a more formal synonym, indicating a polite or official request.

I sought

A more concise way to express "I asked for", often used in formal or literary contexts.

I enquired about

A British English alternative to "I inquired about", with the same focus on seeking information.

I inquired about

Focuses on seeking information, suggesting a more investigative approach than a direct request.

I expressed my need for

Highlights the necessity behind the request, making it clear that something is required.

I put in a request for

Emphasizes the act of formally submitting a request, often in a business or administrative context.

I solicited

Suggests actively seeking something, often advice or opinions, from multiple sources.

I made a demand for

Implies a stronger, more assertive request, potentially with an expectation of compliance.

I put forward a question regarding

A more elaborate way of asking a question, typically used in formal settings or when the matter is complex.

I appealed for

Suggests a plea or urgent request, often for help or support.

FAQs

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

You can use "I asked for" when describing something you requested in the past, like "I asked for a refund after the product broke".

What's a more formal alternative to "I asked for"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I requested" or "I inquired about" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I ask for" instead of "I asked for"?

Using "I ask for" implies a present or habitual action, while "I asked for" refers to a specific request in the past. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning. If referring to the past request you should always use "I asked for".

What is the difference between "I asked for" and "I requested"?

While both phrases express a request, "I requested" is generally considered more formal than "I asked for". The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality.