ask for severance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for severance" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to requesting a severance package or compensation after leaving a job. Example: "After my termination, I decided to ask for severance to help cover my expenses while I search for a new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

People asked for 23, out of an editorial staff of more than 200, and it encouraged other employees to ask for severance, too, or volunteer to drop to a four-day workweek.

The New York Times

When Balan first left the company, she didn't ask for severance pay or even that her sacrificed stock options be allowed to vest, but only for a private meeting with Musk, which was rejected.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

She asked for severance pay from her job, and got it.

The New Yorker

"She asked for severance from the service and a financial offer," he said.

The Guardian

He was tried jointly with Malinski, his counsel electing not to ask for a severance.

Cornell University

Jackie Yeaney, former vice president of marketing at Delta Air Lines, didn't ask for a severance package at Delta or her new job as acting senior vice president of marketing of Home Banc.

Forbes

Ask for more severance pay.

WikiHow

You can protect yourself by asking for a severance guarantee.

Forbes

Ask for a positive recommendation as part of your severance package.

WikiHow

If you don't think this job is right for you, then this would be a good meeting to ask for a transfer to another group or to negotiate for a severance package.

Forbes

Several former Enron insiders, who raked in a combined $25 million in the year before the befouled company nosedived, are asking for millions more in severance pay.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When negotiating your exit, clearly articulate your reasons for requesting severance and be prepared to justify your request with documentation if necessary.

Common error

Don't assume you're automatically entitled to severance. Understand your company's policies and employment contract to determine your eligibility before you "ask for severance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for severance" functions as a request or inquiry. Grammatically, it acts as a verb phrase where "ask" is the verb, "for" is a preposition, and "severance" is the object of the preposition. Ludwig examples show this phrase used in contexts ranging from personal requests to broader organizational situations. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask for severance" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for requesting a severance package upon leaving a company. Ludwig's analysis confirms this, highlighting its usage across various reputable sources, including news media, academic publications, and wikis. The phrase's frequency is classified as common, signifying its regular use in professional and employment-related contexts. When using this phrase, it's important to understand your company's policies and be prepared to negotiate the terms of your departure. Alternatives such as "request a severance package" or "inquire about severance" offer slightly different levels of formality and directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request a severance package

Replaces "ask" with the more formal "request" and specifies the desired outcome.

inquire about severance

Uses "inquire" as a polite alternative to "ask", suitable for initial stages of discussion.

seek severance pay

Replaces "ask for" with the more direct "seek", emphasizing the active pursuit of severance.

negotiate a severance agreement

Focuses on the negotiation aspect of obtaining severance.

pursue a severance settlement

Highlights the legal aspect and the aim for a formal settlement.

demand severance compensation

Conveys a stronger stance, using "demand" to emphasize the right to severance.

apply for severance benefits

Implies a formal application process for receiving severance.

put in a claim for severance

Suggests initiating a formal claim process for severance benefits.

enquire about redundancy terms

Uses the term "redundancy" which is common in some countries to mean a similar thing to severance.

express interest in severance

Indicates a preliminary step, suggesting an openness to discussing severance options.

FAQs

What does it mean to "ask for severance"?

To "ask for severance" means to request a severance package from your employer upon leaving the company. This package typically includes severance pay and other benefits, such as extended health insurance.

When is it appropriate to "ask for severance"?

It's generally appropriate to "ask for severance" when you are being laid off, terminated without cause, or when negotiating your departure from a company. Certain circumstances, like voluntary resignation, may not qualify.

What can I say instead of "ask for severance"?

You can use alternatives like "request a severance package", "inquire about severance", or "seek severance pay" depending on the context.

How do I negotiate when I "ask for severance"?

Research typical severance packages in your industry, document your contributions to the company, and be prepared to negotiate terms like severance pay, benefits continuation, and outplacement services. Remain professional and reasonable throughout the process.