ask for an item

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for an item" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting a specific object or product, typically in a context like shopping, customer service, or inventory management. Example: "If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to ask for an item at the front desk."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If you hear them ask for an item that you have, but pawn shops don't, get their attention.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Wimbledon museum often asks for an item; this year they want my ankle braces, last year a racquet and in 2010 a racquet bag.

BBC

Return borrowed items to any co-workers and ask for any items that were borrowed from you to be returned.

WikiHow

Grant, wary of powerful congressional leaders, was the first President to ask for a line item veto.

Wikipedia

If you are being audited, you will receive what's called an Information Document Request, which will ask for a list of items the IRS is interested in.

Forbes

A small fee (determined by the FCC) is collected by the VE to cover the costs of the testing materials, rental of testing space, etc. Ask for a list of items that will be expected of you to furnish on the exam date (suitable forms of ID, etc).. Decide if a self-paced learning or a quick class room session is best for you.

WikiHow

Ask for a gift receipt for expensive items that may need returning.

WikiHow

It consists of ten items that ask for a subjective assessment of the system, e.g. how easy it was to use it or how well integrated the various features of the system are.

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

And don't be afraid to ask for a discount on your large, expensive items like a lap top, or printer-fax machine.

WikiHow

Still, I figured that my current burden of existential dread is just about right, so I followed Watson's lead and asked for a line-item veto of my APOE gene information when the P.G.P. sequencer gets to it.

The New York Times - Magazine

Instead of having to remember how to launch a skill, or ask for each item you need (news, weather, traffic) as separate voice commands, you'll be able to use fewer words to kick Alexa into action.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ask for an item", be specific about the item you are requesting to avoid confusion. For example, instead of saying "ask for an item", say "ask for a gift receipt".

Common error

Avoid using "ask for an item" in contexts where a specific request is needed. Instead of a vague request, clarify the item required: "Ask for a specific model number."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for an item" functions as a verb phrase used to express a request for a particular object or service. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

47%

News & Media

29%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask for an item" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase used to request a specific object or service. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is perfectly acceptable. While suitable for diverse contexts, clarity is crucial; specify the item to avoid confusion. Alternatives include "request an item" for more formal settings. This phrase appears frequently in Wiki, News & Media and Scientific sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request a product

More formal and emphasizes a commercial context.

put in a request for an item

Emphasizes the act of making a formal request.

enquire about a product

More formal and suggests seeking information before potentially requesting.

order an item

Specific to purchasing or formally requesting something.

solicit an item

More formal and often implies seeking something from multiple sources.

seek an object

More general and can apply to non-commercial contexts.

apply for an item

Suggests a process or application is required to obtain the item.

make a demand for an item

Implies a stronger, more assertive request.

procure an item

Suggests obtaining something through effort or special means.

seek assistance with an item

Focuses on needing help to find or handle the item.

FAQs

How can I use "ask for an item" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for an item" when you're requesting a specific object. For example, "If you need assistance, please don't hesitate to "ask for an item" at the front desk."

What's a more formal way to say "ask for an item"?

Alternatives to "ask for an item" include "request an item" or "enquire about an item", which are more formal and suitable for professional settings.

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

It's appropriate in various contexts such as shopping, customer service, inventory management, or when needing something specific. It's also suitable for when you have to "return an item".

Which is more correct, "ask for an item" or "request for an item"?

"Ask for an item" and "request an item" are both grammatically correct and widely used. However, "ask for" might be slightly more informal than "request an item".