ask for certainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for certainty" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to request assurance or confirmation about something. Example: "In discussions about project timelines, it's important to ask for certainty to avoid any misunderstandings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"But we ask for certainty in the investigation, because the absence of certainty affects the entire process and the conclusion".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Asking for certainty in each calculation made it possible for the nurses to express whether they normally would have consulted others or not when doing the calculation.

BMJ Open

"They would ask for impossible certainties," says Jessica, "like the doctor promising he would not reoffend while he was out".

Vice

An important reason to ask for genetic testing is to obtain certainty about the need for screening and/or prophylactic surgery (Dudok de Wit et al, 1997; Lynch et al, 1999; Meiser et al, 2000).

British Journal of Cancer

That's because, if a judge grants Apple's request, it's a near certainty that Samsung will ask for the injunction to be stayed pending future hearings in the case, Mr. Panagos said.

The New York Times

But, for a start, who could ask for more than a comfortable sense of certainty, familiarity, a world that is recognizably the one most of us used to know how to navigate?

The New York Times

In a statement on Dunfermline's website, Garmony added: "We have always said we would not go to the fans and ask for their money if there was no certainty of the long-term viability.

BBC

The other near-certainty is that the commission will ask for new "own resources".

The Economist

Don't be afraid to ask for help; after all, that is also another strategy which helps you improve your strategies from winging it, to acting with certainty.

WikiHow

About our need for certainty.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Making laws is a demand for certainty.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When managing projects, use "ask for certainty" in relation to deadlines and deliverables to prevent ambiguity and ensure all team members are aligned on expectations.

Common error

Avoid using "ask for certainty" when complete assurance is unrealistic or impossible. In situations involving predictions or future outcomes, it's more appropriate to request a reasonable estimate or a range of possible scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for certainty" functions as a request or demand for a definitive confirmation or assurance. Ludwig examples show this phrase used when seeking clarity and guarantees in various situations, from investigations to calculations. The Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for certainty" is a grammatically sound phrase used to request or demand assurance and confirmation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate in a variety of contexts. While found more frequently in News & Media and Scientific sources, its primary purpose is to reduce ambiguity and obtain definite answers. When writing, remember to consider whether complete certainty is realistic, and be open to alternatives like "request assurance" or "seek confirmation" when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request assurance

Focuses on seeking a guarantee or promise, rather than just confirmation.

seek confirmation

Highlights the act of verifying or validating information.

demand clarity

Emphasizes the need for clear and unambiguous information.

insist on definiteness

Stresses the importance of having clear and well-defined terms or outcomes.

look for guarantees

Implies searching for something that ensures a particular outcome.

require validation

Focuses on the need for external verification of something.

pursue confirmation

Suggests active effort in obtaining confirmation.

ascertain accuracy

Highlights the need to verify the truth or correctness of information.

call for precision

Emphasizes the need for exactness and accuracy.

solicit commitment

Focuses on obtaining a firm pledge or promise.

FAQs

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

You can use "ask for certainty" when you need assurance or confirmation about something. For example, "In discussions about project timelines, it's important to "ask for certainty" to avoid any misunderstandings."

What are some alternatives to "ask for certainty"?

Alternatives include "request assurance", "seek confirmation", or "demand clarity" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "ask for certainty"?

It's appropriate to use "ask for certainty" when you need a clear and definite answer or guarantee, especially in situations where ambiguity could lead to problems or misunderstandings.

Is "ask for certainty" formal or informal?

The phrase "ask for certainty" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal settings, consider using "request assurance" for a more professional tone.