ask off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of requesting time off from work or other obligations. Example: "I need to ask off for next Friday because I have a family commitment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Tennis is entertainment, meaning part of an athlete's job is to deal with the stupid questions that journalists ask off court on behalf of the public.

The New York Times

August is a notoriously slow month, where newsmakers go on holiday, and half the staffs of newspapers too, leaving younger staffers (who didn't think to ask off for August in February) hurriedly trying to come up with copy and keep the place from flying apart.

The Economist

If you're headed out to an Apple store, might as well get yourself packed up now, ask off work, and head over early.

TechCrunch

"It's the one day I ask off all year from work," said Melissa Chang, a 30-year-old flight attendant from Carlsbad.

Los Angeles Times

Admiral's War Chest has always liked the Laurel main track and his last race was a very tough ask off the layoff.

Los Angeles Times

Watch for the favours you ask off your boss.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Ask off-piste questions.

The Guardian

For some, the game was and remains the greatest moment of their lives — even better than sex, one volunteers, prompting Mr. Rafferty to ask off-camera if the man had then been a virgin (no).

The New York Times

"Do you like a smile, Jack," Anna will ask, off-hand, while a sweating, fully-clothed man nervously tries not to look at ten tits.

Vice

Mr. Cavett decided to ask a question on air that Mr. Brown had asked off camera.

The New York Times

A few men have asked off the job, but only a few, Mr. Gray said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ask off" primarily in informal contexts. In formal emails or documents, it is more appropriate to use "request leave" or "request time off".

Common error

Avoid using "ask off" in formal business communications. While the phrase is understood, it can come across as unprofessional. Opt for more formal alternatives like "request leave" or "submit a leave request" in professional settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "ask off" functions as a request. It indicates the action of seeking permission or time away from a scheduled obligation, typically work. Ludwig's examples show its use in everyday conversations.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

25%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "ask off" is used to request time away from work or other commitments. While grammatically correct, it is best suited for informal contexts. For professional settings, consider using alternatives like "request leave" or "apply for leave". As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is understood and usable, though formality should be considered. Remember to be clear about your dates and reasons when making your request. "Ask off" is mostly used in News & Media and Wiki domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request leave

Formal alternative with a focus on the official request.

request time off

More explicit about the nature of the request.

apply for leave

Formal alternative emphasizing the application process.

get time off

Focuses on the final result to get the time off.

take a leave of absence

Describes a longer period of absence.

seek a leave

Slightly less common but equally valid alternative

seek permission for absence

Formal and emphasizes the need for approval.

obtain leave

Highlights the act of successfully getting the leave.

put in for vacation

Specifically refers to vacation time.

get approval for absence

Focuses on the outcome of the request.

FAQs

What does "ask off" mean?

The phrase "ask off" means to request time away from work or other scheduled obligations. It's commonly used when an employee needs to take a day off or a longer period of leave.

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

You can use "ask off" in a sentence like, "I need to "ask off" next Friday for a doctor's appointment", or "Did you "ask off" for your vacation yet?".

What can I say instead of "ask off"?

You can use alternatives like "request leave", "request time off", or "apply for leave" depending on the context.

Is "ask off" formal or informal?

"Ask off" is generally considered informal. In professional settings, it's better to use more formal phrases like "request leave" or "seek approval for time off".