I kindly asked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'I kindly asked' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used when making a polite request. For example, "I kindly asked if he could help me with my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

I kindly asked him to come back to the bench".

The New York Times

HELL'S KITCHEN, New York -- When I shook hands with Hillary Clinton after her rally on the West Side, I kindly asked if she would sign my Bernie Sanders book.

Huffington Post

I kindly asked, "Is it a girl or a boy?" She looked at me with disgust, and said, "She's clearly a girl, look at the color of her clothing".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time".

The Guardian - Film

But, and here's the big clincher, how do I kindly ask my guests not to refer to me with such familiarity?

The New York Times

In so doing, it disregarded the fact that his will had left his estate to his nieces and nephews, including Ms. Altmann, and ignored Adele's less than emphatic language: "I kindly ask my husband".

The New York Times - Arts

But, even if it's nice out, I kindly ask that you don't have sex in the back yard — I used to encourage it but received too many complaints from neighbors.

The New Yorker

But I kindly ask you to allow yourself time.

Huffington Post

As I do this I kindly ask the trolls to stop interrupting my grinding.

Vice

I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time," Pitt said in a statement to People.

Los Angeles Times

I kindly ask the woman on the other end of the phone, Can I get on the till-you-die plan" (hoping for a laugh to kill the tension) but also kind of serious.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I kindly asked" when you want to convey a sense of politeness and respect in your request, particularly in formal or professional communication. Ensure the context aligns with this level of formality.

Common error

Avoid using "I kindly asked" in very casual conversations or informal settings, as it may sound overly formal or even sarcastic. Opt for simpler phrasing like "I asked politely" or "I just asked" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I kindly asked" functions as a narrative description of a past action, specifically emphasizing the politeness of the request. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in reporting interactions where the speaker wished to convey respect or consideration.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I kindly asked" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a polite request made in the past. As Ludwig confirms, it is commonly found in news and media, signaling a neutral to professional register. While it effectively conveys respect and consideration, it's best reserved for contexts where such formality is appropriate. For more casual settings, simpler alternatives may be preferable. Remember to reserve this term for situation in which the intent is to highlight politeness and a certain degree of formality is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I politely requested

Replaces "kindly" with "politely", emphasizing the courteous manner of the request.

I courteously asked

Swaps "kindly" for "courteously", focusing on refined and respectful behavior in asking.

I respectfully inquired

Substitutes "asked" with "inquired" and adds "respectfully", highlighting deference in the inquiry.

I diplomatically inquired

Combines politeness with tactful communication, implying sensitivity in the way the question was posed.

I humbly requested

Adds "humbly" to emphasize a modest and deferential approach in making the request.

I earnestly requested

Replaces "kindly" with "earnestly", underscoring the sincerity and seriousness of the request.

I gently suggested

Replaces "asked" with "suggested", softening the tone to imply a recommendation rather than a direct request.

I carefully posed the question

Focuses on the thoughtfulness and consideration taken when phrasing the question.

I delicately put forward my request

Emphasizes the careful and subtle manner in which the request was presented.

I thoughtfully sought

Highlights the deliberate and considerate nature of seeking information or assistance.

FAQs

What does "I kindly asked" mean?

The phrase "I kindly asked" signifies that a request was made in a polite and courteous manner. It indicates that the speaker was respectful when making the request.

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

You can use "I kindly asked" to describe a past action where you made a polite request. For example, "I politely requested if they could turn down the music".

What are some alternatives to "I kindly asked"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I politely requested", "I respectfully inquired", or "I humbly requested", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "I kindly asked" formal or informal?

"I kindly asked" leans towards a formal tone. In more informal settings, you might prefer phrases like "I just asked" or "I asked nicely".