ask for a report

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for a report" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting a document or summary of information from someone, typically in a professional or academic context. Example: "During the meeting, I will ask for a report on the project's progress to ensure we are on track."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

FEINGOLD: Did you, at any time prior to your meeting on November 27th, 2006, ask for a report in writing on the progress of the project?

The Washington Post

The magistrate said he would recommend to Federal District Judge William G. Cambridge that Mr. King be committed to a hospital for psychiatric treatment, and would ask for a report within four months on whether the defendant could face trial in the foreseeable future.

The New York Times

Under current laws, a decision to remove a chief constable must be referred to the local police and crime panel, which may ask for a report from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary.

BBC

Under current laws, a decision to remove a chief constable must be referred to the local Police and Crime Panel, consisting of 10 to 20 members, who may ask for a report from HMIC, but the panel has no power of veto, and the final decision rests with the PCC.

BBC

So the real lesson isn't to look or ask for a report at all.

Huffington Post

Supervisors Mark Ridley-Thomas and Sheila Kuehl joined Antonovich in voting to ask for a report back in 30 days from county animal welfare officials and the Sheriff's Department on the feasibility of establishing a shelter at the Castaic lock-up.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Judge Garrett asked for a report in 91 days.

The New York Times

Remember, asking for a report directly from a credit bureau never hurts your credit score.

The New York Times

Corcoran, speaking over a radio through his interpreter, asked for a report, but there was none.

The New Yorker

When he reached home his wife asked for a report in detail on the ceremonies.

The New Yorker

GONZALES: I don't recall asking for a report in writing.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ask for a report" in formal writing, specify the type of report (e.g., "ask for a progress report") to enhance clarity.

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear what kind of report is being requested. If not, specify details like subject matter, scope, or due date to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for a report" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a directive. It's used to express a request for information or documentation. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask for a report" is a grammatically correct and understandable way to request information, as Ludwig confirms. It is most frequently found in news and academic contexts. While "ask for a report" is appropriate for many situations, using alternatives like "request a report" might be preferable in formal settings. Be sure to specify the type of report needed to avoid ambiguity. Ludwig examples and analysis point to its use as a directive to elicit specific information, highlighting the importance of context and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request a report

Formal synonym; replaces "ask" with a more official term.

demand a report

Emphasizes the authority or insistence in obtaining the report.

seek a report

A more formal and somewhat less direct way of saying "ask for a report".

put in a request for a report

More verbose, indicating the action of formally submitting a request.

enquire about a report

A more indirect way of asking, focusing on the inquiry rather than the demand.

call for a report

Suggests a public or official request, often used in political contexts.

solicit a report

Implies seeking a report, often from multiple sources.

file a request for a report

Formal and procedural, suggesting a written request is submitted.

commission a report

Suggests formally ordering and paying for a report to be created.

look for a report

Indicates searching for an existing report, rather than requesting a new one.

FAQs

How can I use "ask for a report" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for a report" to request a document or summary of information. For example, "The manager will ask for a report on the sales figures".

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

Alternatives include "request a report", "seek a report", or "enquire about a report", depending on the context.

Is it better to "ask for a report" or "request a report"?

"Request a report" is generally more formal and suitable for professional settings, while "ask for a report" is more neutral and can be used in a broader range of contexts.

When should I "commission a report" instead of "ask for a report"?

Use "commission a report" when you are formally ordering and often paying for someone to create a report, implying a more significant and official undertaking than simply asking for one.