ask of

USAGE SUMMARY

No, 'ask of' is not a standard phrase that is correct and usable in written English. The correct phrase is 'ask for'. Example: I ask for your help in this situation.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I ask of you greetings and money.

Independent

What more can we ask of art?

The New York Times - Arts

"I do what coaches ask of me".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's really all we ask of you.

Independent

What does it ask of him?

The New Yorker

I'm doing what they ask of me.

The New York Times - Sports

That's all that I ask of myself".

The New York Times - Sports

What more can one ask of life?

The New York Times

That's what we ask of our heroes".

The Guardian - Books

I ask of her Chanel tweed.

The New York Times - Magazine

That's all anybody can ask of anyone".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always use "ask for" instead of "ask of". This ensures grammatical correctness and clarity. For example, instead of writing "What do you ask of me?" write "What do you ask for from me?".

Common error

A common mistake is using "ask of" when "ask for" is the correct idiom. To avoid this, remember that "ask for" is the standard way to request something, while "ask of" is generally considered non-standard.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask of" is typically used as a prepositional phrase. However, Ludwig AI points out that it's often considered non-standard. Its intended function is to express a request or inquiry directed towards someone or something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "ask of" appears frequently in various sources, it is generally considered grammatically incorrect, according to Ludwig AI. The standard and preferred form is "ask for". Although it appears in news, business, and other contexts, writers should exercise caution and opt for the grammatically correct alternative to maintain clarity and professionalism. Remember to use "request", "enquire about", or "seek" in contexts where a formal or clear request is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request

Focuses on the act of making a formal request.

enquire about

Emphasizes seeking information on a specific topic.

inquire about

Formal alternative to 'enquire about'.

seek

Highlights the act of searching or trying to obtain something.

solicit

Implies a formal or professional request for something such as funds or support.

query

Suggests a question or doubt, prompting a need for clarification.

appeal to

Indicates an earnest or urgent request, often directed at someone's emotions or sense of responsibility.

petition

A formal written request addressed to an authority regarding a particular cause.

beg for

Implies a desperate or humble request, often indicating a state of need or dependence.

demand

Conveys a firm and authoritative request, often implying a sense of entitlement or expectation.

FAQs

Is "ask of" grammatically correct?

No, "ask of" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in modern English. The correct and widely accepted form is "ask for". It's best to use "ask for" in both formal and informal contexts.

What is the difference between "ask of" and "ask for"?

"Ask for" is the standard and grammatically correct way to request something. "Ask of" is often seen as non-standard and should be avoided in formal writing. Although "ask of" appears in some contexts, it's generally better to use "ask for" to maintain clarity and correctness.

When is it appropriate to use "ask of"?

While "ask of" appears in some texts, it's generally not recommended for contemporary usage. In most cases, "ask for" is the more appropriate and grammatically sound choice.

What are some alternatives to "ask for"?

Alternatives to "ask for" include "request", "enquire about", or "seek", depending on the specific context of the request.