ask for alms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for alms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing begging or requesting charitable donations, often in a religious or historical context. Example: "In ancient times, it was common for the poor to ask for alms from passersby in the marketplace."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Journalists request interviews the way beggars ask for alms, reflexively and nervously.

The New Yorker

Sitting in my office on a hot June day, gazing out the grimy chicken-wire window at a red-brick wall, I remembered an observation from "Iphigenia in Forest Hills": "Journalists request interviews the way beggars ask for alms, reflexively and nervously".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some hairy man sits under a tree and asks for alms.

The New Yorker

Dr Baumard's volunteers read about a beggar asking for alms, and a passer-by who did not give them.

The Economist

By Robert M. Coates and G. Alan Chidsey The New Yorker, November 23 , 1929P. 19 Professional beggar worked his way over to Park Avenue, asking for alms, and stopped resplendent gentleman, stepping jauntily downtown.

The New Yorker

I am not used to having people knocking on the door of the car and crying children asking for alms.

Forbes

Shiva is also depicted as asking for alms from the goddess Annapurna, a form of Parvati as the goddess of food.

Wikipedia

Hodges paid a local boy to help recruit subjects, all of whom were the mendicants who wander Pushkar asking for alms.

HuffPost

The 7th-century Nayanar saint Campantar mentions that Bhikshatana wanders from door to door asking for alms with the beggar's call "Ladies, give me alms" and places his verses on the lips of women, who become enamoured of Bhikshatana.

Wikipedia

My mind shifted to the north-east corner of the Dorchester metro station where usually a barely clad old man, almost shivering, stood with a cap asking for alms.

HuffPost

Each in turn selects a sealed note by which the Christ Child asks for symbolic alms, such as a smile, roses, bread, a mirror, or honey something that symbolizes a gift of virtue or prayer that the sister is then able to use in her own reflection.

Johns Hopkins University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ask for alms", consider the historical or religious context to ensure it resonates appropriately with your audience. In modern contexts, consider alternatives like "request donations" for broader applicability.

Common error

Avoid using "ask for alms" casually in modern contexts, as it carries historical and religious connotations of begging and extreme poverty. Opt for more neutral phrases like "seek donations" or "request funding" for contemporary appeals.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for alms" functions as a verb phrase, where "ask" is the verb and "for alms" acts as a prepositional phrase modifying the verb. Ludwig confirms the grammatical correctness of the phrase, and examples show it used to describe the act of begging or requesting charity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask for alms" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe begging or requesting charitable donations, especially in situations of poverty. Ludwig's analysis highlights its presence in various contexts, from news media to encyclopedias, though it is not as common as other similar phrases. While Ludwig AI validates its correctness, it's important to consider the historical and religious connotations associated with "alms" and opt for alternative phrases like "request charity" or "solicit donations" when a more neutral tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Beg for donations

This option uses "beg" instead of "ask", highlighting the act of pleading for contributions.

Appeal for alms

This alternative uses "appeal", emphasizing a formal or urgent request.

Request charity

This alternative replaces "alms" with a more general term for charitable giving.

Solicit donations

This alternative is less specific, referring to requesting contributions generally, without implying poverty.

Petition for assistance

This alternative highlights the request for help, with a formal tone.

Seek charitable contributions

This is a more formal way of saying "ask for alms", suitable for formal contexts.

Entreat for donations

A formal alternative that suggests earnestly requesting donations.

Implore for gifts

This is a more emotive and urgent appeal for charitable giving.

Panhandle for money

A colloquial alternative that is direct about seeking money in public.

Beseech for offerings

This option replaces "ask" with a more dramatic and pleading verb.

FAQs

What does "ask for alms" mean?

The phrase "ask for alms" means to beg for money or food, typically out of poverty. Alms are charitable donations given to the poor.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "ask for alms"?

It is appropriate to use "ask for alms" when referring to situations of extreme poverty or historical contexts where begging was common. Consider alternatives like "request charity" in modern contexts.

What are some alternatives to "ask for alms"?

Some alternatives to "ask for alms" include "solicit donations", "request charity", or "beg for donations", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "ask for alms" grammatically correct?

Yes, "ask for alms" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English grammar rules for verb phrases and prepositional phrases.