ask for something from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for something from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting an item, information, or assistance from someone or a group. Example: "I need to ask for something from the manager regarding my vacation request."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Every time you ask for something from her, it becomes true".

The New York Times

It is sometimes awkward and stressful to ask for something from a higher up.

Forbes

To understand that it's so unrestrained, to stand in awe of it and also to ask for something from it.

Vice

It's a way to ask for something from another prisoner in front of the cops without letting on what you're talking about.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

These are all asks-me asking for something from someone.

Huffington Post

I'm having these meetings because someone is asking for something from me – my time – and they think I can offer them advice.

University of California, Berkeley

"They're certainly asking for something from their audience, an investment and a perspective that doesn't fit the marketplace completely".

The New York Times - Arts

A cost that is consistent with the findings of psychiatrist Anna Fels: when we are giving something to someone else, we are feminine; when we are asking for something from someone, we are not.

Harvard Business Review

Consequently, there was no risk in those cases that citizens would be coerced into religious participation simply to curry favor in a setting where they were actually asking for something from state or federal officials.

Huffington Post

Demands imply that you are asking for something from the people in power, meaning they could simply promise to meet some of them and then ask us to go home.

Vice

That little white lie we tell Gina about how people actually like her, how we hint at asking for something from a friend because we think it's bad manners to ask for too many favors, etc.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ask for something from", be specific about what you are requesting and from whom. This avoids ambiguity and increases the likelihood of a positive response.

Common error

Don't use "ask for something from" without clearly specifying what "something" is. Vague requests are often ignored. Instead of saying "I need to ask for something from the department", specify "I need to ask for budget approval from the department".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for something from" functions as a verb phrase used to express a request or solicitation. It specifies both the object of the request ("something") and the source from which it is being requested. Ludwig provides examples showing how the phrase is used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for something from" is a versatile phrase used to request something from a particular source. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used, finding examples in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While the phrase is generally neutral in formality, more formal alternatives like "request" or "solicit" may be more appropriate in certain professional settings. To ensure clarity, it is important to specify what you are requesting and from whom. The provided examples highlight the adaptability of the phrase across various situations and sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request something from

Replaces "ask" with the more formal "request", suitable for professional contexts.

seek something from

Substitutes "ask" with "seek", implying a more active search or effort to obtain something.

solicit something from

Replaces "ask" with "solicit", suggesting a formal request, often for contributions or support.

obtain something from

Focuses on the act of receiving rather than the act of asking.

get something from

A more informal alternative, suitable for casual conversations.

appeal for something from

Highlights the persuasive aspect of asking, suggesting a strong need or cause.

inquire about something from

Focuses on seeking information rather than requesting a tangible item.

demand something from

Implies a forceful request with an expectation of compliance.

require something from

Suggests a formal necessity or condition for obtaining something.

extract something from

Emphasizes the effort or process involved in obtaining something, often implying difficulty.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ask for something from" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "request something from", "solicit something from", or "seek something from", depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to include "from" when using "ask for something"?

The inclusion of "from" specifies the source of the request. If the source is implied or already known, it can be omitted. However, including "from" often adds clarity, especially in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "ask for something" and "demand something"?

"Ask for something" implies a polite request, while "demand something" suggests a forceful request with an expectation of compliance. The choice depends on the relationship and the situation.

When is it appropriate to use "ask for something from" in professional writing?

It's appropriate when you need to clearly state who or where you are requesting something from. For example, "I need to ask for feedback from the team" is clear and professional.