ask for discretion

USAGE SUMMARY

"ask for discretion" is correct and is usable in written English.
You can use it when someone has asked you to keep something confidential. For example, "I asked her to keep our conversation private, so I asked for discretion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"We ask for discretion and respect for his privacy," the Spanish Football Federation added in statement made earlier on Tuesday.

BBC

"Before, there was a tiered system with priorities, and you could ask for discretion based on that".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Some enterprising bloggers, like Kegs 'n Eggs, had a reader respond to the ad and revealed the return e-mail on Tuesday: "…Our client has asked for discretion about this opportunity, as "seat-filling" is behind-the-scenes aspect of this event production…We are asking that all participants wear red or dark green T-shirts and/or hats.

The New York Times

A spokesperson for the mayor's office for policing and crime said: "If it is accurate that the police asked for discretion so as not to hinder the investigation, then that certainly is relevant and any claims under RDA should be reconsidered given these circumstances".

The Guardian

The women had left a letter explaining their suicide and asking for discretion, the officer was quoted as saying.

Los Angeles Times

The Transportation Department asked for discretion to raise or lower fleet sizes four times a year, depending on how closely the companies follow the rules, and how many daily riders are using each scooter, on average.

Los Angeles Times

It is hard to ask for more discretion from him when he has batted with such mesmerising audacity earlier in the series.

The Guardian - Sport

Generally, your CFO will know right away (she's no dummy--when you ask her to prepare all those financials she'll know something is going on - talk to her and ask for her discretion).

Huffington Post

The What Works Clearinghouse (2011) 'does not have specific guidelines for studies that use multiple groups [on a single outcome],' asking for the discretion of the researcher(s) (p. G.5). WWC does recommend a procedure similar to one group on multiple outcomes.

International Journal of STEM Education

If we don't ask for time, we're using good discretion".

The New York Times

Among other reforms, Lancman said he would stop prosecuting marijuana smokers, turnstile jumpers and other low-level offenders; refuse to ask for cash bail from arrestees; use discretion to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation; and provide easier access to drug treatment.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ask for discretion", clearly state the specific information or situation that requires confidentiality to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Don't assume that simply asking for discretion guarantees it. Reinforce the importance and reasons for maintaining confidentiality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for discretion" functions as a request, specifically seeking that the recipient handle information or a situation with care and confidentiality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for discretion" is a grammatically sound phrase used to request confidential handling of information or situations. Ludwig AI validates its usability. While not exceedingly common, its usage spans across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, be direct and clear about the specific information requiring discretion. Remember that simply asking doesn't guarantee compliance; reinforce the importance of confidentiality. Alternatives like "request confidentiality" and "seek privacy" offer similar meanings. Always tailor your choice to the specific nuances of the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request confidentiality

Emphasizes the need to keep information private.

seek privacy

Focuses on the desire to maintain a personal space or information shield.

solicit sensitivity

Highlights the need for careful and tactful handling of a situation.

appeal for privacy

Presents a more formal and urgent request for personal space or confidentiality.

plead for confidentiality

Indicates a desperate or emotional request for secrecy.

seek a favor of silence

A more indirect, almost literary way of asking for something not to be spoken about.

ask that it be kept quiet

Informal way to ensure something isn't shared.

request that it be handled with care

Focuses on careful handling of sensitive information.

ask for restraint

Implies asking someone to hold back or not act impulsively.

seek guardedness

Highlights seeking protection by avoiding saying something.

FAQs

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

You can use "ask for discretion" when requesting someone to keep information confidential. For example, "Given the sensitive nature of this matter, I "ask for discretion" from everyone involved".

What's the difference between "ask for discretion" and "ask for privacy"?

"Ask for discretion" implies a request for careful and confidential handling of information, whereas "ask for privacy" is a broader request for personal space or solitude. Both phrases can overlap, but discretion is more about managing information.

What are some alternative phrases for "ask for discretion"?

Some alternatives include "request confidentiality", "seek privacy", or "solicit sensitivity" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to "ask for discretion"?

It's appropriate to "ask for discretion" when sharing sensitive or confidential information that could have negative consequences if revealed. This could be in professional, personal, or legal contexts.