I was asked to

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "I was asked to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone asked you to do something. For example, "I was asked to help my brother with his homework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

I was asked to join the organization.

The Economist

I was asked to withdraw the comments.

The New York Times

I was asked to leave immediately.

The New York Times

Unexpectedly, I was asked to speak.

The New York Times

I was asked to win elections".

The New York Times

"I was asked to do a quiz.

Independent

So I was asked to withdraw".

The New Yorker

I was asked to stop my activities".

The Guardian - Books

I was asked to become his assistant.

The New York Times

I was asked to speak first.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was asked to explain my problem.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was asked to", ensure the context clearly indicates who made the request. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides a complete picture for the reader.

Common error

While "I was asked to" is grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound passive. To improve clarity and impact, consider rephrasing to the active voice when appropriate, such as "They asked me to" which clearly identifies the actor.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I was asked to" is to introduce a passive construction, indicating that the subject ("I") received a request or instruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase sets up the action that the subject was requested to perform.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was asked to" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to indicate that the speaker received a request or instruction. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this construction is widely accepted and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to consider the context to determine whether the passive voice is the most effective choice. Alternatives like "They asked me to" can sometimes offer more directness and clarity. Understanding these nuances can improve your writing and ensure your message is conveyed accurately and effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I had been asked to

Implies the request happened in the past and might still be relevant.

I was requested to

A more formal and direct synonym, often used in official or professional contexts.

I received a request to

Emphasizes the reception of a formal request, adding a layer of formality.

I was directed to

Suggests a guiding influence or specific direction from an authority figure.

I was instructed to

Indicates a more authoritative command or instruction, often from a superior.

They asked me to

Shifts the focus to the people who made the request, making it more direct.

It was suggested that I

Indicates a gentler, less forceful request or recommendation.

I was prompted to

Indicates that something triggered or motivated the request.

I found myself being asked to

Highlights the unexpected nature of the request and the speaker's situation.

I was given the task of

Focuses on the assignment or duty that followed the request, highlighting responsibility.

FAQs

How can I use "I was asked to" in a sentence?

You can use "I was asked to" to express that someone requested you to do something. For example, "I was asked to present the findings at the conference" or "I was asked to review the document before the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "I was asked to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "I was requested to", "I was instructed to", or "They asked me to", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when someone makes a request?

While "I was asked to" (passive) is correct, using the active voice (e.g., "They asked me to") can sometimes provide more clarity and directness by explicitly stating who made the request.

What's the difference between "I was asked to" and "I was told to"?

"I was asked to" implies a request, which can be declined, while "I was told to" suggests a more direct order or instruction, often from someone in authority. The choice depends on the nature of the interaction.