ask for a quote

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'ask for a quote' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are wanting to inquire about the cost of a particular product or service. For example, "I'm interested in getting a new website created. Could you please provide me with a quote for the job?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Ask for a quote before getting in.

The New York Times - Travel

Then they'll ask for a quote for the poster".

The Guardian - Film

At present, hedge funds wanting to trade foreign exchange usually ring up their bankers and ask for a quote.

The Economist

Ask for a quote and compare it with quotes from other surveyors - again, ask around for recommendations.

The Guardian - Money

Ask for a quote, letting them know that value is important and will have a big influence on choice.

The Guardian - Money

Ask for a quote, excluding the U.S., if you intend to maintain your Medicare coverage.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

"I don't know how I could have been a better consumer, I asked for a quote.

The New York Times - Health

I asked for a quote for my property and explained there might be planning permission problems because I live in a conservation area.

The Guardian - Money

In an email to the law firm Mossack Fonseca in March 2012, Geoghegan set out the ownership structure of the Kensington house while asking for a quote for their services.

The Guardian

He had been asked for a quote on her novel The War Between The Tates (1974) and, we must surmise, found something remarkable in her description of a pair of teenagers going through the obnoxious stage of their adolescence.

The Guardian - Books

For example, when an Internet user asks for a quote on a Hertz car in Boston and does not provide flight-arrival information, the system guesses that it is being rented at a location other than the one at the airport.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When "ask for a quote", be specific about your needs to receive an accurate price estimate. Provide all necessary details upfront.

Common error

Don't use the phrase "ask for a quote" when you're looking for a rough estimate. A "quote" is a fixed price, while an estimate is an approximation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for a quote" functions as a request for a specific price for a product or service. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a standard and acceptable way to initiate a pricing inquiry.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

36%

Formal & Business

28%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask for a quote" is a common and grammatically correct way to request pricing information, as verified by Ludwig. It's versatile enough for neutral communication across various contexts, including news, business, and general inquiries. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in your request to receive an accurate "quote". The sources confirm that it is a simple and direct phrase to request a price.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Request a quote

Uses a more formal verb, "request", instead of "ask".

Get a price quote

Focuses on the action of obtaining a "price quote".

Obtain a quotation

Employs a more formal noun, "quotation", and verb, "obtain".

Inquire about pricing

Focuses on the act of inquiring and the general concept of "pricing".

Request pricing information

More elaborate, specifying "pricing information".

Solicit a bid

Suggests a more competitive scenario where multiple parties might provide pricing.

Seek an estimate

Implies that the pricing may be approximate rather than exact.

Get an offer

Focuses on receiving an "offer" for a product or service.

Check the price

More direct and simple way to say "check the price".

Determine cost

Focuses on knowing "determine cost" of something.

FAQs

How to use "ask for a quote" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for a quote" when you need to know the exact price for a specific product or service. For example: "Before hiring a contractor, always "ask for a quote" to avoid unexpected costs."

What can I say instead of "ask for a quote"?

You can use alternatives like "request a quote", "get a price quote", or "obtain a quotation" depending on the context and level of formality.

Which is correct, "ask for a quote" or "ask for an estimate"?

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings. Use ""ask for a quote"" when you want a fixed price. Use "ask for an estimate" when you want an approximate cost.

What's the difference between "ask for a quote" and "request a proposal"?

"Ask for a quote" is generally used for simpler, more straightforward pricing inquiries. "Request a proposal" is used when you need a detailed plan and pricing for a complex project.