ask in advance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask in advance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting permission or information before a certain action or event takes place. Example: "Please ask in advance if you need any special accommodations for the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

Ask in advance for Mussolini's room.

The Guardian - Travel

It's wise to ask in advance exactly what is available and what it costs.

The New York Times - Travel

When you make a booking for dinner, ask in advance whether they mind stag parties, and explain that your group will be very well-behaved indeed.

The Guardian - Travel

Bring paper and pen to write down what the doctor says or ask in advance if you may record the doctor's comments to be sure you heard them correctly.

The New York Times - Health

Revisit Your Family Tree Americans with a "close relative" in Cuba are free to come and go as often as they wish, and do not need to ask in advance for a license from the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control, or OFAC, which enforces the embargo.

The New York Times - Travel

Applicants, therefore, need to be prepared for a range of interview settings, and they need to ask in advance what the interview process will entail.

Science Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

No time to tweet Qs asked in advance this evening.

The Guardian

Why on earth would it think that somebody would object to being filmed, or need to be asked in advance?

Independent

Linden officials are not the only ones who have been asked in advance for input on the new plan.

The New York Times

"Sprechen Sie Deutsch?" is the question that the French sports paper L'Equipe asked in advance of the all-German final in London on May 25.

The New York Times - Sports

British companies that expressed an interest in bidding for a 3G licence were asked in advance of the auction to specify which technology they preferred to use.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When planning an event or activity, "ask in advance" about dietary restrictions or preferences to ensure all attendees are accommodated.

Common error

Don't assume information will be provided automatically. To avoid surprises or delays, "ask in advance" rather than waiting until the last minute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask in advance" functions as an imperative expression, urging the recipient to make an inquiry or request before a particular event or action occurs. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it’s used to ensure preparedness and avoid potential issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

29%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask in advance" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that urges proactive communication and planning. As Ludwig AI confirms, its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for various contexts. It is commonly found in news and media, as well as in wikis providing general advice. When using this phrase, remember that it implies a need for information or permission ahead of time, ensuring that preparations can be made accordingly. To avoid misunderstandings, it is advisable to "ask in advance" rather than assume information will be readily available.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquire beforehand

Focuses on seeking information ahead of time, similar to "ask in advance" but more formal.

check ahead of time

Emphasizes verifying or confirming something before a specific event or action.

request in anticipation

Implies making a formal request with the expectation of a future need.

seek prior approval

Highlights the need for authorization or permission before proceeding.

seek pre-confirmation

Implies more certainty and validation compared to simply asking.

make arrangements beforehand

Focuses on preparing or organizing something in advance to avoid issues.

provide forewarning

Highlights the act of offering information or updates ahead of time

get clearance ahead

Implies that there could be barriers that you want to clear to avoid difficulties

touch base previously

Emphasizes the establishment of a communicative exchange to prepare something

get something in writing

This is a very narrow case related to the need of having proof about something beforehand

FAQs

How do I use "ask in advance" in a sentence?

You can use "ask in advance" to suggest requesting information or permission before a specific event. For example, "Please "ask in advance" if you need any special accommodations for the meeting."

What's a more formal way to say "ask in advance"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "inquire beforehand" or "seek prior approval", depending on the context.

When should I "ask in advance" rather than just asking?

Use "ask in advance" when the timing of your inquiry is important. It implies that there is a deadline or a specific need to know something ahead of time, such as when preparing for a trip or a meeting.

What is the difference between "ask before" and "ask in advance"?

"Ask before" generally means to inquire prior to doing something. "Ask in advance" emphasizes inquiring with sufficient time to prepare or make necessary arrangements. The subtle difference lies in the lead time implied.