ask for charity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for charity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting donations or support for a charitable cause or organization. Example: "During the holiday season, many organizations ask for charity to help those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

How am I going to pay that?" Reluctantly, Smith has had to ask for charity help to get by and has had food parcels from a local food bank.

The Guardian

Remember, we do not ask for charity.

Vice

"We don't ask for charity," he said.

Vice

"I didn't want to ask for charity," she says, "but I had no choice.

Vice

Communities in Colorado and around the nation have passed a wave of new laws and ramped up enforcement of old ones targeting people who are homeless, from bans on sleeping in cars or taking shelter in bus stations to laws that prohibit sitting or lying down in public areas to restrictions on when and where someone can peacefully ask for charity.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"I am not here asking for charity!

The New Yorker

The family could have asked for charity, but they were too proud.

The New York Times

When he asks for charity, the sisters order him out, but Cenerentola secretly gives him coffee and bread.

The Guardian - Music

"There's something about feeling that you are asking for charity rather than getting something from the state … it's humiliating; it involves swallowing your dignity, travelling distances to the centres and walking home with plastic bags," she says.

The Guardian

The families lining up at PATH, and the single adult men at their intake point, in the Bellevue Men's Shelter, on East Thirtieth Street, and the single adult women at the women's intake at the help women's shelter, on Williams Avenue, in Brooklyn: from a legal standpoint, these people are not asking for charity.

The New Yorker

Ripples From Trade Center While many New York jobs like Mrs. Fong-Sam's have been cut or lost as an indirect result of the attack on the World Trade Center, many of those who worked in the twin towers have themselves asked for charity for the first time in their lives.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and audience when using the phrase "ask for charity". A more formal context might benefit from alternatives like "request donations".

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "ask for charity" in your writing. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms such as "seek donations" or "request contributions" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for charity" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It expresses the act of requesting assistance or donations from charitable sources, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask for charity" is grammatically correct and used to express a request for donations or assistance from charitable sources. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most commonly found in News & Media contexts and is considered relatively rare in frequency. When using this phrase, it's important to be clear about the cause and consider the appropriate tone for your audience. Alternatives like "request donations" or "solicit contributions" can provide suitable variations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request donations

Focuses specifically on the act of requesting monetary contributions.

solicit contributions

Emphasizes a formal or organized effort to obtain support.

seek assistance

A more general term that can encompass various forms of aid, not just charity.

appeal for aid

Highlights the urgent or pressing need for help.

seek philanthropic support

Emphasizes the charitable nature of the support being sought.

appeal to benefactors

Targets individuals or groups known for their generosity.

launch a fundraising campaign

Describes a structured effort to gather charitable donations.

canvass for donations

Involves directly approaching individuals to request contributions.

petition for alms

Implies a humble or desperate plea for charitable giving.

apply for charitable grants

Specifically refers to seeking financial awards from charitable organizations.

FAQs

What does it mean to "ask for charity"?

To "ask for charity" means to request donations, assistance, or support, usually financial, for a specific cause or to help those in need. It implies seeking help from charitable individuals or organizations.

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

It's appropriate to use "ask for charity" when formally or informally requesting donations or assistance for a charitable cause. Consider alternatives like "request donations" or "solicit contributions" for a more formal tone.

How can I "ask for charity" effectively?

To "ask for charity" effectively, clearly state the purpose of the appeal, explain how donations will be used, and highlight the impact contributions will have. Being transparent and specific increases the likelihood of receiving support.

What are some alternatives to "ask for charity"?

Alternatives to "ask for charity" include "request donations", "seek assistance", "appeal for aid", or "solicit contributions". The best choice depends on the context and the intended audience.