ask for relief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for relief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts or situations where someone is seeking assistance or a remedy for a problem or hardship. Example: "In her petition, she decided to ask for relief from the court regarding her financial obligations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"If a person does not ask for relief, then it should not come," Mr. Smith said.

The New York Times

I worry that people will come back and ask for relief in future years, and Congress will knuckle under".

The New York Times

Such was the case with the college and university officials who traveled here on Thursday to ask for relief from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo's proposed budget cuts.

The New York Times

While patients were reluctant to ask for relief or to take prescribed pain medications, the researchers found that physicians were just as unwilling to prescribe the needed medications.

The New York Times

It would be one of the fund's biggest contributors, though paying less than 5% of the insurers' total.Equitas fears that the bill will discriminate against it, by allowing other companies but not Equitas the chance to ask for relief if they believe their payments to the fund to be too onerous.

The Economist

My husband and I didn't understand why he acted this way until he was diagnosed at age 3 with a gut disease that, we learned, left him in pain for most of the day, as well as severe autism that made it difficult for him to express himself or ask for relief.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Now, she is asking for relief from the Supreme Court.

The New York Times

I gave up asking for relief from the belt.

The Guardian

Many are also asking for relief from unsustainable debts.

The Guardian

They had to wait a long time before any cats showed up asking for relief.

The New Yorker

As drought hits parts of NSW and Queensland, Australia's farmers are again asking for relief.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ask for relief", consider the context and the specific type of relief being sought. Be clear and specific in your request to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "ask for relief" without specifying what kind of relief you need. For instance, instead of saying "They asked for relief", specify "They asked for financial relief" or "They asked for relief from their duties".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for relief" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, often acting as the predicate of a sentence. It describes the act of requesting assistance or alleviation from a burden or difficult situation. Ludwig shows examples in various contexts where people or entities formally or informally "ask for relief".

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

18%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask for relief" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to convey a request for assistance or alleviation. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is found across various contexts, including news, academia, and general discourse. While "ask for relief" is generally acceptable, clarity is crucial; specifying the type of relief sought enhances the effectiveness of the communication. Alternatives like "request assistance" or "seek remedy" can add nuance depending on the specific situation. Therefore, while grammatically sound, the impact of "ask for relief" hinges on context and clarity to ensure the message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request assistance

Replaces "ask" with a more formal synonym, while keeping the general meaning intact.

seek remedy

Focuses on obtaining a solution to a problem rather than simply asking.

appeal for aid

Emphasizes the need for help, particularly in a dire situation.

petition for redress

Suggests a formal request for correction of a wrong.

solicit alleviation

More formal and focuses on easing a burden or problem.

apply for exemption

Specifically requests to be excused from a requirement or obligation.

plead for mercy

Implies a desperate request for leniency or compassion.

call for intervention

Requests that a third party take action to resolve a problem.

entreat for clemency

A formal and earnest request for forgiveness or leniency.

seek respite

Focuses on obtaining a temporary break or rest from a difficult situation.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ask for relief" in a sentence?

You can use alternatives such as "request assistance", "seek remedy", or "appeal for aid" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "ask for relief" and "demand relief"?

"Ask for relief" implies a request, whereas "demand relief" implies a forceful insistence on receiving relief. The choice depends on the power dynamic and the urgency of the situation.

Is it appropriate to use "ask for relief" in formal writing?

Yes, "ask for relief" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing legal or official requests. However, in some business contexts, more specific alternatives like "apply for exemption" or "request assistance" might be more suitable.

When should I use "seek respite" instead of "ask for relief"?

Use "seek respite" when the desired outcome is a temporary break or rest from a difficult situation, rather than a permanent solution or remedy. "Ask for relief" is more general and can apply to various types of assistance.