as they ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as they ask" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to actions or requests made by others, typically in a context where you are responding to or fulfilling those requests. Example: "I will provide the information as they ask to ensure everyone is satisfied with the outcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

All you do is do your presentation and get interrupted a bunch throughout as they ask questions.

Columbia University

They bully him as they ask directions.

The Economist

"You don't have to do as they ask".

The New York Times

British voters, prone to the conservatism that referenda encourage, might very well do as they ask.

The Economist

Most rheumatologists are thinking about this as they ask you questions about your general health.

The New York Times

They momentarily brighten when they see me, but their smiles are weak and anxious as they ask how he's doing.

The New York Times

Dog leashes, 36 strollers and opera singers are also involved as they ask "Are we asleep?" Good question.

The New York Times - Arts

It's a moment charged with emotion as they ask each other: 'Are You All Right?' The Curtain Falls.

The New Yorker

As they ask each other questions, their English sounds no less articulate than that of similarly-aged Americans.

The Economist

South Dakotans are fiercely self-reliant, but they now feel invisible as they ask federal officials to lend a hand.

The New York Times

Join the Science Weekly podcast team as they ask: the male contraceptive pill: how close are we?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "as they ask", ensure the context clearly identifies who 'they' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. This is particularly important in formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "as they ask" when the subject is unclear or has not been explicitly defined in the preceding text. Always ensure the pronoun 'they' has a clear and unmistakable referent to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as they ask" functions as a subordinating conjunction, introducing a clause that modifies the main clause. It indicates that an action is performed in accordance with a request or question made by others. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Academia

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "as they ask" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that an action is being performed in response to a request or question. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. When using "as they ask", it's important to ensure that the referent of "they" is clear to avoid any ambiguity. While alternatives like "as they request" or "in response to their inquiries" may offer a more formal tone, the original phrase remains versatile and appropriate for most situations. Pay attention to contextual clues to determine the best and most precise phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as they request

Replaces "ask" with "request" maintaining a formal tone and the same meaning.

based on their questions

Focuses on the foundation of questions as a base for the action.

according to their inquiries

Substitutes the direct request with a more formal and indirect reference to their questions.

in response to their queries

Highlights the action being a direct answer to their questions with slightly more formality.

as per their demand

Implies a sense of requirement or insistence in their request.

following their instructions

Shifts the focus to following instructions rather than simply asking.

at their invitation

Suggests a proactive request from them, more inviting than merely asking.

when questioned by them

Emphasizes the passive reception of questions.

if they inquire

Introduces a conditional aspect, only acting if they ask.

should they pose questions

A formal and less direct way of indicating the possibility of them asking questions.

FAQs

How can I use "as they ask" in a sentence?

You can use "as they ask" to indicate that you are responding to someone's request or question. For example, "I will provide the data "as they ask"." It's important to ensure that "they" is clearly defined.

What's a more formal alternative to "as they ask"?

A more formal alternative could be "as they request" or "in response to their inquiries". These options add a level of formality suitable for professional or academic contexts.

What can I say instead of "as they ask" in informal conversation?

In a casual setting, you could use phrases like "if they ask" or simply "when they ask". These are less formal and more conversational.

Is there a difference between "as they ask" and "as requested"?

"As they ask" specifically refers to the act of them asking, while "as requested" is a more general term that implies a request was made, but doesn't focus on the act of asking. "As requested" is often more concise.