ask for assurances

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for assurances" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to request confirmation or guarantees about something, often in a formal or professional context. Example: "Before proceeding with the contract, we need to ask for assurances regarding the delivery timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

In 1906, a delegation of Muslim leaders headed by the Aga Khan called on the new Viceroy of India, Lord Minto, to assure him of their loyalty and to ask for assurances that in any political reforms they would be protected from the "unsympathetic [Hindu] majority".

Wikipedia

"I don't think you can ever ask for assurances on time.

The Guardian - Sport

3.44pm: Hague says Britain should ask for assurances that Israel will not repeat counterfeits and wonders whether British passports are more susceptible to forgery.

The Guardian

Sir Richard Ottoway didn't respond to The Independent's request for comment but told the London Evening Standard: "We got in touch to ask for assurances about security issues and she failed to give those assurances.

Independent

Nor did it give a definitive view on whether promises made by torturers deserve to be taken at face value, though it did concede there was something of a catch-22 in the fact that "if you need to ask for assurances you cannot rely on them".

The Guardian - Opinion

"This is not mitigation for the job cuts at BAE, that has to be a separate agreement... and I've written to the prime minister to ask for assurances for additional work to be coming into the dockyard in Portsmouth".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

People who are high in insecurity usually short of confidence about the security of new technologies and they often ask for assurance [ 69].

BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making

Ask for assurance of quality before you go.

WikiHow

I have never asked for assurances.

The New York Times - Sports

"The truth is, I asked for assurances.

Independent

In telecommunications deals, the F.B.I. has asked for assurances that only United States facilities be used to handle domestic traffic.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ask for assurances" in formal writing, specify the nature of the assurances sought to provide clarity and context. For example, instead of saying "We need to ask for assurances", specify "We need to ask for assurances regarding the project timeline and budget".

Common error

Avoid using "ask for assurances" without clarifying what specific assurances are required. Vague requests can lead to misunderstandings and unfulfilled expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for assurances" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of requesting or seeking confirmation or guarantees about something. This is supported by Ludwig, which indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for assurances" is a grammatically sound verb phrase used to request confirmation or guarantees, particularly when uncertainty or risk is involved. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its frequency is classified as uncommon, it appears across various reputable sources, especially in news and media. The phrase conveys a need for certainty and is typically employed in professional contexts. For clarity, it’s best to specify the nature of the assurances being sought, as explained by Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request guarantees

Focuses more directly on obtaining guarantees, suggesting a stronger need for certainty.

seek confirmation

Emphasizes the act of seeking verification or validation of something.

solicit a pledge

Implies seeking a formal promise or commitment.

demand guarantees

Suggests a more forceful request for guarantees, possibly due to a lack of trust.

insist on a warranty

Specifically related to obtaining a warranty, implying a formal guarantee of quality or performance.

look for a commitment

Highlights the act of searching or hoping for a pledge or dedication to a certain course of action.

procure an undertaking

Implies obtaining a formal promise or agreement.

secure a promise

Emphasizes successfully obtaining a promise, implying effort or negotiation.

obtain a guarantee

Focuses on the action of getting the guarantee.

require validation

Indicates a need for the information or process to be validated or confirmed as accurate.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ask for assurances" in a formal context?

In a formal context, you can use phrases like "request guarantees", "seek confirmation", or "solicit a pledge" to maintain a professional tone.

What's a less formal way to say "ask for assurances"?

In less formal situations, you could say "look for a commitment", which implies a search or hope for dedication without demanding guarantees.

How do I use "ask for assurances" in a sentence?

You can use "ask for assurances" when you need to request confirmation or guarantees about something. For example: "Before proceeding, we must ask for assurances regarding the safety protocols".

When is it appropriate to "ask for assurances"?

It's appropriate to "ask for assurances" when there is uncertainty, risk, or a need for confirmation in a situation, such as before signing a contract, starting a project, or making a significant decision.