ask for death

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for death" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is expressing a desire to end their life or is in a state of extreme despair. Example: "In his darkest moments, he would often ask for death, feeling overwhelmed by his struggles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The prosecutor said he might ask for death sentences for the three defendants because of their involvement in two rape cases.

The Guardian

First, pain is not a particularly significant factor in leading people to ask for death: in the Netherlands, only 5% of requests for assisted suicide or euthanasia come from those who described themselves as being in unbearable pain.Second, the fear that the old and frail will be bullied into committing suicide may be exaggerated.

The Economist

But they did not ask for death, and they certainly don't deserve it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He, Senior, was the one who had asked for death.

The New Yorker

Because there are people in there who are literally asking for death".

The New York Times - Magazine

Since reinstating capital punishment in 1978, Pennsylvania has executed only three people, all of whom asked for death after having exhausted their appeals.

The New York Times

While Texas prosecutors will not shirk from asking for death sentences for the most egregious murders, Cole said, their risk-v-reward calculations have evolved.

The Guardian

"If I start telling people to send your sons to the Afghan Army, I am sure I'll be asking for death," said Mullah Ramazan, who is from Loya Wala north of Kandahar city.

The New York Times

"That they would be asking for death in this case of all the espionage cases that have come down the pike in the last few years is astonishing," the lawyer, Jonathan Shapiro, said.

The New York Times

As a prosecutor in those years, and earlier during three years when he was assistant district attorney, he asked for death sentences on 30 occasions, and got them on 29.

The New York Times

The death row inmates in Tennessee currently asking for death by firing squad are arguing such a death would actually be less painful than what our lethal injection protocol has become.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ask for death", consider the sensitivity of the topic and ensure your writing is respectful and appropriate for your audience.

Common error

Don't use the phrase "ask for death" in contexts where it could be interpreted as trivializing or sensationalizing suicide or end-of-life decisions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for death" functions as a verb phrase, where "ask" is the main verb and "for death" acts as a prepositional phrase functioning as the direct object. It signifies a request or desire for death.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask for death" is a grammatically correct verb phrase that expresses a request or desire for death. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While the phrase is relatively rare, appearing most frequently in news and media and scientific contexts, its tone and formality can vary depending on the specific usage. When using this phrase, it's important to be sensitive to the topic and avoid sensationalizing it. Related phrases include "seek death" and "desire to die", which convey similar meanings. The phrase is generally understood to express a deep sense of despair or a willingness to embrace mortality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek death

Implies a deliberate pursuit or desire for death.

desire to die

Directly expresses a wish for one's own death.

request assisted suicide

Specifically refers to asking for help in ending one's life.

court death

Suggests behavior that increases the risk of death.

invite death

Implies actions that make death more likely or imminent.

yearn for oblivion

Expresses a longing for the state of being dead or nonexistent.

long for the end

Refers to a desire for life to cease.

embrace mortality

Acknowledges and accepts the inevitability of death, sometimes with a sense of welcome.

welcome death

Indicates a readiness or willingness to die.

tempt fate

Describes actions that challenge destiny and may result in death.

FAQs

What does "ask for death" mean?

The phrase "ask for death" generally means to express a desire to die, either directly or through actions. It can also refer to requesting assistance in ending one's life, or behaving in a way that invites danger.

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

It's appropriate to use the phrase "ask for death" in contexts where you're discussing end-of-life decisions, suicide, or actions that carry a high risk of death. However, always use it with sensitivity and respect for the subject matter.

What are some alternatives to "ask for death"?

Alternatives to "ask for death" include "seek death", "desire to die", or "request assisted suicide", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

Is "ask for death" the same as "beg for death"?

While similar, "ask for death" and "beg for death" have different connotations. "Beg for death" implies a more desperate and pleading request to end suffering, while "ask for death" can be a more general expression of a desire to die.