a fair ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fair ask" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a reasonable request or question. For example: "I can understand why you're asking for more time to complete the project - it's a fair ask."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's a fair ask.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

If your claim is denied or you are offered less than what you think is fair, ask for a detailed explanation.

The New York Times

For the study published online Monday in the journal Archives of Dermatology, researchers from the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio surveyed 326 women at two churches and a health fair, asking them about their medical history and hair care, among other things.

Los Angeles Times

T-Bob says his father asked a fair question, asked what everybody wondered.

The New York Times - Sports

Every year the Paris Book Fair asks a different country - or, more specifically, the writers of the country - to be guests of honour; in March it's Russia's turn.

The Guardian - Books

How is that fair?" asked a vigilante leader in Michoacan.

BBC

Like a fair fight?" asks Amy Davidson of the New Yorker.

The Economist

I had zero hope of receiving a fair trial". Asked by his lawyer, Philip Hackett QC, how his health had been affected, he added: "I was not well.

The Guardian - Business

He stumbles onto Francesca's farm looking for a bridge he wants to photograph, and, because Francesca likes him and Bud and the kids are away at a fair, she asks him to supper.

The New Yorker

Stroking his beard, flashing an apparent smile, he mentions his 80-year-old teacher who spotted him at a fair and asked him if he wanted to learn.

Huffington Post

PDA veterinarians routinely inspected all swine at Fair A. In addition, veterinarians called Fair A swine exhibitors 1 2 weeks after Fair A closed to ask whether signs of illness developed in any swine during or shortly after Fair A. We entered data into a Microsoft Access 2010 database (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA) and analyzed it by using SAS version 9.3 (SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA).

Emerging Infectious Diseases

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a fair ask", ensure the context clearly establishes why the request is reasonable and justified. Provide background information or supporting details to strengthen your argument.

Common error

Avoid using "a fair ask" in very casual or informal conversations. While grammatically correct, it can sound slightly formal or overly direct in certain situations. Consider more relaxed alternatives like "reasonable request" or "makes sense to ask".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fair ask" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject complement or object of a sentence. It describes the nature of the "ask" (request or question) as being reasonable and equitable. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a fair ask" is a grammatically correct and usable English expression that describes a reasonable and justified request. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples primarily from news and media sources. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate in various contexts. Remember to use it when you wish to emphasize the fairness and legitimacy of what is being asked, and be mindful of avoiding overuse in overly informal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reasonable request

Focuses on the request being sensible and not excessive.

a legitimate question

Highlights the validity and appropriateness of the inquiry.

a valid point

Emphasizes the strength and relevance of an argument or consideration.

a justified demand

Suggests the request is supported by good reasons or evidence.

a warranted inquiry

Indicates the question is justified or necessary given the circumstances.

a well-founded request

Implies the request is based on solid grounds or reasoning.

an equitable appeal

Highlights the fairness and impartiality of the request.

a sensible proposition

Focuses on the practical and logical nature of the suggestion.

a rightful claim

Emphasizes the entitlement or deserving nature of the request.

a defendable position

Suggests the request is supported by strong arguments and can be justified.

FAQs

What does the phrase "a fair ask" mean?

The phrase "a fair ask" refers to a request or question that is reasonable, justified, and equitable given the circumstances. It implies that the request is not excessive or unwarranted.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a fair ask"?

It's appropriate to use "a fair ask" when you want to convey that a request or question is reasonable and justified. It is suitable in professional, news and media, or formal contexts.

What are some alternative ways to phrase "a fair ask"?

You can use alternatives like "a reasonable request", "a legitimate question", or "a valid point" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "a fair ask" the same as "a fair question"?

While both phrases relate to fairness, "a fair ask" generally refers to a request, while "a fair question" relates to an inquiry. The best option depends on whether someone is making a request or posing a question.