ask for

USAGE SUMMARY

"ask for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express the meaning of "requesting or demanding something". For example: "I asked for a promotion yesterday but my request was denied."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Ask for Red.

The New York Times

Why ask for trouble?

The New Yorker

"Ask for asylum".

The New Yorker

Ask for it upstairs.

The New York Times

Ask for his guidance.

The New York Times

"Ask for Satish".

The New Yorker

Ask for a raise.

BBC

Ask for phone numbers.

WikiHow

Ask for discount.

WikiHow

Ask for more time.

WikiHow

Ask for the job!

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ask for" when you need to directly request something, whether it's information, assistance, or an item. For example, "If you need help, don't hesitate to ask for it."

Common error

Avoid using "ask for" interchangeably with phrases like "demand" or "require" when a simple request is intended. "Ask for" implies a polite request, while "demand" or "require" suggest a more forceful approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for" primarily functions as a phrasal verb used to request or solicit something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig include requests for items or assistance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

78%

News & Media

20%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to request or solicit something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s appropriate for a wide range of contexts, from seeking simple information to complex support. Predominantly found in Wiki and News & Media sources, the phrase maintains a neutral formality, making it versatile for both professional and informal communication. When using "ask for", ensure it reflects a polite request rather than a forceful demand, and consider contextually relevant alternatives like "request" or "seek" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request

This alternative is a more formal and concise way to say "ask for".

put in a request for

This alternative is a more verbose way of saying "ask for", often used in formal settings.

seek

This alternative suggests a more active and deliberate search for something.

enquire about

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes seeking information.

inquire

A more formal version of asking, often used in customer service or professional settings.

apply for

This alternative is used when seeking a specific position or opportunity.

solicit

This alternative implies asking for something, often money or support, in a formal or public way.

appeal for

This alternative suggests making an emotional or urgent request.

make a demand for

This alternative indicates a stronger, more forceful request.

look for

This alternative implies searching for something, but it is related because in some cases is used as synonym.

FAQs

How to use "ask for" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for" to request something, like "I need to "ask for help" with this project" or "Did you "ask for directions" when you got lost?".

What can I say instead of "ask for"?

Alternatives to "ask for" include "request", "seek", or "enquire about", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "asked for"?

Yes, "asked for" is the past tense of "ask for" and is grammatically correct. For example, "I "asked for a raise" at my performance review".

What's the difference between "ask for" and "ask to"?

"Ask for" is used to request something (e.g., "I'll "ask for a discount""), while "ask to" is used to request permission to do something (e.g., "I'll "ask to leave" early").