am asking you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "am asking you" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to express that you are currently in the process of asking someone something. Example: "I am asking you to consider my proposal before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That is all I am asking you.

Yale University

that I am asking you this.

Princeton University

And I am asking you, please, do not visit it.

The New York Times

I am asking you to keep that between us.

The New Yorker

M. HERZOG: That is exactly what I am asking you.

Yale University

I am asking you where they came from.

Yale University

MR. DODD: Well, that is what I am asking you.

Yale University

I am asking you this question for a second time.

Yale University

So I am asking you what birtherism is about.

The New Yorker

I am asking you as a very good friend.

The Guardian

... I am asking you to join me in this effort.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "am asking you", ensure the context is appropriate for direct communication. In formal settings, consider more polite alternatives like "I would like to ask you".

Common error

Avoid using "am asking you" in situations where indirect questions or more polite phrasing are necessary. Overusing direct questions can sound demanding or impolite.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "am asking you" functions primarily as an interrogative clause, used to directly seek information or a specific action from the person being addressed. It frames a question or request in the present continuous tense, indicating an ongoing act of questioning. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Academia

26%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

2%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "am asking you" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used for directly seeking information or actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered correct and sees frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news, academic, and formal communications. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to consider the specific context and audience to ensure appropriateness. In more formal settings, consider alternatives like "I request you" or "I would like to ask you" for a more polished delivery. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively leverage "am asking you" in your written and spoken communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm requesting that you

This alternative adds a degree of formality and explicitness by using "that".

I request you

This alternative is more formal and direct, replacing the continuous tense with a simple request.

Could I ask you to

This alternative phrases the request as a question, making it more polite and less assertive.

I would like to ask you

This alternative is more polite and indirect, softening the request.

I'm inquiring if you could

This alternative replaces "asking" with "inquiring" and introduces a conditional clause, making it more tentative.

I'm wondering if you might

This alternative expresses curiosity or speculation rather than a direct request.

I'm calling upon you to

This alternative is more formal and often used to urge someone to take action.

I'm seeking your input on

This alternative is suitable when requesting advice or opinions.

I'm appealing to you to

This alternative implies a sense of urgency or emotional persuasion.

I'm putting it to you

This alternative is a more direct and somewhat confrontational way of asking.

FAQs

How can I make the phrase "am asking you" more polite?

To soften the directness of "am asking you", consider using alternatives such as "I would like to ask you" or "could I ask you to", which introduce a level of politeness and indirectness.

What are some formal alternatives to "am asking you"?

In formal contexts, phrases like "I request you" or "I am requesting that you" can replace "am asking you" to convey a higher degree of formality.

Is it always appropriate to use "am asking you" in professional settings?

While generally acceptable, "am asking you" might sound too direct in some professional settings. Evaluate the specific context and consider more subtle options like "I'm inquiring if you could" for sensitive matters.

How does the tone of "am asking you" compare to other similar phrases?

The phrase "am asking you" carries a fairly neutral but direct tone. Alternatives like "I'm appealing to you to" or "I'm calling upon you to" introduce a stronger emotional or authoritative aspect respectively.