a reasonable ask

USAGE SUMMARY

'a reasonable ask' is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase when you would like someone to do something for you, but you don't want to ask for too much. For example: "Can you pick up some groceries for me? I think it's a reasonable ask."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Make a reasonable ask.

The New York Times

"Two years is a reasonable ask to make of folks who are just finishing up their college experience".

The New York Times

"But asking people to say 'That's a doll and that's a car', as opposed to 'That's for girls and that's for boys', is a reasonable ask".

The Guardian

Consider negotiating your start date just as you would any other terms of employment; an extra week or two is a reasonable ask.

Forbes

For our young brood, one bite is a reasonable ask.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Kelly deserved at least one more season to further implement his vision, a perfectly reasonable ask in a trade where the average tenure of the last 40 coaches to win the Super Bowl is nearly six years.

The Guardian - Sport

At last mention, the handset was set to be priced at $499 unlocked here in the US, which seems like a fairly reasonable ask for a massive phone that's the first to properly leverage Google's long awaited computer vision system — a system that could have some interesting implications for mobile augmented reality.

TechCrunch

At last mention, the handset was set to be priced at $499 unlocked here in the US, which seems like a fairly reasonable ask for a massive phone that's the first to properly leverage Google's long awaited computer vision system — a system that could have some interesting implications for mobile augmented reality.

TechCrunch

Also there's a one-time $500 activation fee, as well as both a background and a credit check which is probably a fairly reasonable ask given the value of the vehicles you'll be getting.

TechCrunch

He'd made repairs to some of his kitchen equipment, brought his books current and determined a reasonable asking price.

The New York Times

You can, though, increase your agent's willingness to cut his commission by setting a reasonable asking price.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making "a reasonable ask", clearly state the problem and the desired outcome to avoid ambiguity. This increases the likelihood of a positive response.

Common error

Don't overstate the burden or effort required to fulfill "a reasonable ask". Presenting it as overly challenging can deter people from helping.

Linguistic Context

"A reasonable ask" functions as a noun phrase that describes a request or expectation that is considered fair, logical, and not excessive. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, with examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

40%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a reasonable ask" is a noun phrase used to describe a request or expectation that is considered fair and justifiable. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and suggests that it can be used when you want someone to do something for you, without asking for too much. While the phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, according to Ludwig examples, it's suitable for a range of contexts, generally maintaining a neutral tone. When employing this phrase, make sure that the request aligns with fairness and good judgment to ensure it is perceived positively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fair request

Emphasizes the impartiality and justice of the request.

a modest demand

Highlights the limited scope and humble nature of the expectation.

a justifiable expectation

Focuses on the legitimacy and validity of what is being anticipated.

a legitimate request

Indicates that the request is in accordance with the law or rules.

a sensible request

Highlights the practicality and good judgment behind the request.

an appropriate request

Stresses that the request is suitable and fitting for the situation.

a fair expectation

Highlights the impartiality of what is anticipated.

a realistic expectation

Emphasizes that what is anticipated is achievable.

a tenable demand

Indicates that the demand is defensible and maintainable.

a sound request

Highlights the solid basis and good judgment behind the request.

FAQs

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

You can use "a reasonable ask" to describe a request that is fair and not excessive. For example, "Asking for a week's extension on the project is "a reasonable ask" given the circumstances".

What are some alternatives to "a reasonable ask"?

Alternatives include "a fair request", "a modest demand", or "a justifiable expectation", depending on the context.

Is it always appropriate to describe a request as "a reasonable ask"?

It's appropriate when the request is genuinely fair and not overly burdensome. Overusing the phrase or applying it to excessive demands can diminish its impact and credibility.

What makes a request qualify as "a reasonable ask"?

A request qualifies as "a reasonable ask" if it aligns with common sense and fairness, doesn't place undue strain on the other party, and has a clear justification.