ask really

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask really" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to express a request for clarification or emphasis, but it lacks context to be effectively used. Example: "Can you ask really if they are coming to the meeting?"

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And we cannot help but ask "Really?

The Guardian - Sport

But greatest single ever, you ask, really?

The Guardian - Music

As we are leaving I ask: really, allergic to curry?

Independent

That's a more useful question to ask really".

The Guardian - Tech

I ask really open-ended questions like: "So what do you do?

The New York Times

Does the Chinese peasant, they ask, really lament not being able to google the Dalai Lama?

The Guardian - Opinion

Piers, why don't you ever ask really good questions like that normally?

The Guardian

Is the American political and economic picture, they ask, really as one-sided as he paints it?

The Economist

Well, what physicist do is to ask really simple and profound questions, like any little kid might ask.

Cornell University

Amount of ask should vary depending on company: The amount of ask really depends on your audience.

The Guardian

When was the first time he thinks he got it right, I ask – really nailed it as an actor?

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking clarification or emphasis, replace "ask really" with more precise alternatives like "seriously ask" or "specifically ask" to enhance clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "ask really" as a mere intensifier without adding substantial meaning to the sentence. This can weaken your writing and make it seem less direct. Instead, focus on crafting a clear and direct question.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask really" functions primarily to emphasize the act of asking or to seek confirmation. However, Ludwig AI suggests that it's not grammatically correct and may require rephrasing for better clarity. Examples in Ludwig show varied usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask really" is commonly used across various contexts, as evidenced by the numerous examples found through Ludwig. However, Ludwig AI identifies it as potentially grammatically incorrect, suggesting that more precise alternatives should be considered. While frequent in news and media, as well as academic settings, it's essential to use the phrase judiciously. For clarity and emphasis, consider replacing "ask really" with stronger alternatives like "seriously ask", "genuinely ask", or "specifically ask". By choosing more precise language, you can enhance the impact and credibility of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seriously ask

Emphasizes the earnestness of the question.

genuinely ask

Highlights the sincerity behind the inquiry.

truly ask

Stresses the authenticity of the question.

sincerely ask

Indicates a heartfelt request for information.

specifically ask

Focuses on the detailed nature of the question.

directly ask

Suggests a straightforward and unambiguous inquiry.

insistently ask

Highlights the persistence in questioning.

urgently ask

Implies a time-sensitive need for an answer.

earnestly inquire

Conveys a deep and serious interest in the response.

earnestly question

Suggests a thoughtful and considered approach to asking.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "ask really" in a sentence?

While "ask really" is frequently used, Ludwig AI suggests it may not be grammatically correct. Consider rephrasing for clarity. For example, instead of "Can you ask really if they are coming?", try "Can you "seriously ask" if they are coming?".

What can I say instead of "ask really"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like ""seriously ask"", "genuinely ask", or "specifically ask".

Is it correct to say "ask really"?

Ludwig AI flags "ask really" as potentially grammatically incorrect. While it appears in various sources, substituting with a clearer alternative will enhance your writing. For instance, you could use "truly ask" or "sincerely ask".

What's the difference between "ask really" and "earnestly inquire"?

"Ask really" may lack precision and grammatical correctness, while "earnestly inquire" suggests a more thoughtful and serious approach to questioning. The latter is more formal and conveys a deeper level of engagement.