ask no more

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask no more" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that no further questions or requests should be made, often implying that enough has been said or done. Example: "I appreciate your offer, but I must decline. Ask no more about it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Don't ask no more about my back".

The New York Times - Sports

You could ask no more of human beings.

The New York Times

Many writers, and many readers, ask no more.

The Guardian - Books

One can ask no more of a night at the opera.

The New Yorker

The searching look, the hand on his arm: Samuel understands that he must ask no more questions.

The New Yorker

"I ask no more of Indonesia than it has asked of other nations where Indonesian citizens are on death row, including for serious drug offences".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

In requesting a new clearing-services agreement from LCH, we are asking no more than we would of any other commercial supplier of important services.

The Economist

I guarantee asking no more than one such question per race — although I may do more depending on the question or the "assignment".

The New York Times

Even the placards, courtesy of Socialist Worker and Unite, asked no more than that council housing should be defended and people put before profit.

The Guardian - Opinion

He was asked no more about his crimes, but told commissioners of his past.

The New York Times

Fraser had standards, ability and heart and one asks no more of a bowler.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ask no more" when you want to politely, yet firmly, discourage further questioning or requests on a particular topic. It implies that the current information is sufficient or that the matter is closed.

Common error

Avoid using "ask no more" in situations where genuine inquiry is encouraged. It can come across as dismissive or evasive if used inappropriately. Make sure that the other party understands it is time to stop asking or requesting for a reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask no more" functions as an imperative, typically used to signal a halt to further questioning or requests. As Ludwig AI points out, it's often used to indicate that enough has been said or done, or that the speaker is unwilling to provide additional information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask no more" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to discourage further questioning or requests. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage implies that enough has been said or done on a particular subject. While it can be employed across various contexts, including news, academia, and science, it's crucial to be mindful of the register and avoid using it in situations where genuine inquiry is expected. Alternatives such as "don't ask again", "inquire no further", and "say no more" offer similar meanings with subtle differences in formality and nuance. Therefore, understanding the connotations and context is key to effectively using "ask no more".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

No more questions

Directly indicates the end of a question-and-answer session.

Don't ask again

Emphasizes a direct refusal of further questioning.

Inquire no further

A more formal way to say stop asking questions.

Do not inquire further

A formal command to cease investigation or questioning.

Don't press the matter

Suggests that further inquiry might be unwelcome or unproductive.

Let's not talk about it anymore

Indicates a desire to cease discussion on a particular topic.

Say no more

Implies that enough information has been provided or that the speaker understands.

Drop it

An informal way to tell someone to stop talking about or pursuing something.

Leave it at that

Indicates that the current state of understanding is sufficient.

That's all I have to say

Signals the conclusion of a statement or discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "ask no more" in a sentence?

You can use "ask no more" to politely decline further questions or requests. For example, "I've explained everything I know; ask no more."

What does "ask no more" imply?

"Ask no more" typically implies that the speaker has provided all the necessary information or is unwilling to discuss the matter further. It suggests that additional inquiries are not welcome.

What can I say instead of "ask no more"?

Alternatives to "ask no more" include "don't ask again", "inquire no further", or "say no more", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "ask no more" appropriate in formal communication?

While "ask no more" can be used in formal settings, it's essential to consider the audience and context. More formal alternatives like "do not inquire further" might be more suitable in certain professional situations.