ask for protection

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for protection" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting safety or security from someone or something, often in contexts involving legal, personal, or physical safety. Example: "In times of crisis, it is important to ask for protection from authorities to ensure your safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

I had to ask for protection for almost a year.

The Guardian

"Netanyahu expressed his condolences but we ask for protection for Duma and for other Palestinian villages.

The Guardian

Now when the Kuna pray to their gods, they mostly ask for protection to preserve their way of life.

The New York Times

On a recent morning, a group of Sunni villagers gathered in her reception hall to tell their stories and ask for protection so they can return to their homes.

The New York Times

Early this afternoon, General Rafan and five midlevel Iraqi military and intelligence officials arrived at the makeshift United States military base here to negotiate their surrender and ask for protection from revenge attacks.

The New York Times

Its licensing program will include direct advocacy -- for example, most product packages come with unstamped postcards that are addressed to the Senate majority leader, Bill Frist, and ask for protection for Alaskan forests.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He asked for protection and someone to guard him at night.

The New York Times

"We have asked for protection and respect from the institutions that represent soccer," Lucarelli said.

The Guardian - Sport

There is unease among charities about asking for protection from the growing number of foreign warships.

The Guardian

The district attorney, Charles J. Hynes, has said Mr. Gibson never asked for protection.

The New York Times

We've asked for protection there, but the coalition is busy in the gulf".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ask for protection", clearly specify from whom or what you are seeking protection to avoid ambiguity. For example, "ask the police for protection" is more precise than simply "ask for protection".

Common error

Avoid generic statements like "they asked for protection" without clarifying the nature of the threat or the reason for needing protection. Provide context to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for protection" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a request or plea for safety, security, or defense from harm. Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

29%

Science

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask for protection" is a common and grammatically correct way to express the need for safety or security. As verified by Ludwig, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media, Wiki, and Science. When using this phrase, it's best practice to specify the source from which protection is sought and the nature of the threat. Alternatives such as "request protection" or "seek refuge" may be used depending on the desired level of formality or specific nuance. The phrase serves the primary function of requesting assistance to ensure safety in situations of vulnerability or potential danger.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request protection

This alternative uses a more formal verb, implying a structured or official appeal.

seek protection

This phrase suggests a proactive effort to find safety or refuge.

appeal for protection

This highlights the act of making an earnest or urgent request.

solicit protection

This term introduces a formal tone, implying a respectful request from a superior.

plead for safety

This option emphasizes vulnerability and a desperate need for security.

seek refuge

This phrase emphasizes escaping to a place of safety or shelter.

demand safety

This suggests a forceful request for security, implying a right or expectation.

look for sanctuary

Implies a quest to find a safe place or institution.

enlist protection

Indicates the act of recruiting or securing protection from a specific entity.

call for defense

This alternative emphasizes the need for active measures to guard against harm.

FAQs

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

You can use "ask for protection" when you need to express a request for safety or security. For example, "After receiving threats, she decided to "ask for protection" from the authorities".

What's the difference between "ask for protection" and "request protection"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning, "ask for protection" is more informal, whereas "request protection" is more formal and often used in official or legal contexts.

What can I say instead of ""ask for protection"" when seeking refuge?

When seeking refuge, you can use phrases like "seek refuge", or "seek asylum", which emphasize finding a safe place or country for protection.

In what situations is it appropriate to ""ask for protection""?

It's appropriate to ""ask for protection"" when facing potential danger, threats, or vulnerability, whether it's from individuals, organizations, or circumstances, requiring intervention or assistance for safety.