ask for things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask for things" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting items, information, or assistance in various contexts. Example: "During the meeting, I will ask for things that we need to improve our project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Only ask for things for yourself.

The Guardian - Music

It's not unusual to ask for things like this.

The New York Times

As women, we feel we can't ask for things.

The Guardian

"I've learned that in the workplace it's O.K. to ask for things," she said.

The New York Times

"It is hard for me to ask for things," the psychiatrist quoted Mr. Ghailani as saying.

The New York Times

Her success, thinks Barrymore, is partly a question of having the courage to ask for things.

The Guardian - Film

"He knows not to ask for things, now," Mr. Johnson said.

The New York Times

I could ask for things to do, but that felt weird.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I think in life you have to ask for things to happen.

The New York Times

When I ask for things, they tell me that they don't have time.

The New Yorker

"And you know how it was – you always had to ask for things.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ask for things", be specific about what you need. Vague requests can lead to misunderstandings or unfulfilled expectations.

Common error

Ensure your requests are clear and detailed. Instead of broadly saying "I need help", specify "I need assistance with this report by providing data and feedback on the analysis."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask for things" functions as a phrasal verb, combining the verb "ask" with the preposition "for" and the noun "things". It is used to express the act of requesting or seeking items, assistance, or other unspecified needs. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is widely used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask for things" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrasal verb. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is indeed accurate and applicable. Its straightforward nature makes it suitable for various contexts, predominantly in news and media, wiki entries, and scientific articles. While widely accepted, it's advisable to opt for more specific and professional alternatives like "request items" in formal settings. Remember to be clear in your requests to avoid ambiguity, and consider the tone you wish to convey, as more assertive alternatives like "demand goods" carry different implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask for favors

Specifically asking for acts of kindness or special treatment.

request items

Emphasizes a formal way of asking for specific objects or goods.

put in a request

Indicates making a formal or official request.

seek assistance

Focuses on asking for help or support in a general sense.

make a demand

Similar to 'demand goods' but can be applied to services or actions.

demand goods

Implies a strong and assertive request for items, potentially with an expectation of compliance.

plead for help

Expresses a strong emotional request for assistance.

solicit donations

Specifically refers to asking for charitable contributions.

apply for benefits

Specifically refers to requesting government assistance or entitlements.

beg for mercy

Suggests a desperate plea for leniency or compassion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ask for things" to sound more professional?

To sound more professional, consider using phrases like "request items", "submit a request", or "inquire about needs".

Is it better to "ask for things" or "request items" in formal writing?

"Request items" is generally more suitable for formal writing as it conveys a more professional and direct tone compared to the more casual "ask for things".

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

"Ask for things" implies a simple request, while "demand things" suggests a forceful request, potentially with an expectation of compliance. The latter can come across as aggressive or entitled.

When is it appropriate to use "ask for things" in a sentence?

It is appropriate to use "ask for things" in various contexts, from informal conversations to general requests. However, for formal or professional communication, consider using more specific and polished alternatives.