ask them to send

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask them to send" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to request someone to have another person send something, such as information or a document. Example: "Please ask them to send the report by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Please also ask them to send the cheque to someone else.

The Guardian - Books

First, he emailed his website subscribers to ask them to send him their signatures.

The Guardian - Tech

It was then that I decided to call Rose's home and ask them to send me their brochure.

The Guardian - Books

Zavvi emailed customers to ask them to send the bundle back and said it was due to an error in its warehouse.

Independent

If they promise to do something, ask them to send it via email as well, it's impossible to prove anything they have agreed to without written evidence.

Independent

You could ask them to send you a case, but that would be unwise, at least without some advice from your lawyer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"We asked them to send us a letter.

The New York Times - Sports

He said the city had asked them to send the case to the state appeals court.

The New York Times

I asked them to send me into battle, but instead I'm off to the Falkland Islands.

The Guardian - Opinion

I asked them to send me written confirmation of this and they said they would.

The Guardian - Money

They asked them to send only the ordinary days of their everyday lives.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making a request, specify the method of sending (e.g., email, mail, courier) if it's important for the recipient.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying how the item should be sent (e.g., "ask them to send it by email" instead of simply "ask them to send it").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask them to send" functions as an imperative construction, where the speaker is requesting or instructing someone to perform an action. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides numerous examples of this phrase in use.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

36%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask them to send" is a common and grammatically correct way to request someone to send something. Ludwig confirms its broad usage across different registers, primarily in news, wiki and scientific contexts. When using the phrase, it's important to be clear about the method of sending to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives exist for varying levels of formality or emphasis, "ask them to send" remains a straightforward and widely understood way to make a request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request that they send

Adds the conjunction "that" to create a more formal and explicit request.

request they dispatch

Uses a more formal verb "dispatch" instead of "send" and restructures the sentence slightly.

request for them to send

Adds "for" to create a request that directly specifies the recipients action.

ask that they forward

Replaces "send" with "forward", implying transmission to a third party.

request them to mail

Replaces "ask" with the more formal "request" and specifies the means of conveyance.

tell them to mail

Substitutes "send" with "mail", specifying the method of delivery.

enquire if they could send

Phrases the request as a question of possibility.

have them transmit

Uses the more formal term "transmit" instead of "send".

direct them to send

Uses "direct" to indicate a command rather than a request.

get them to send

Uses "get" to indicate persuasion or arrangement for sending.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ask them to send" for a more formal tone?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "request that they send" or "direct them to send" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "ask them to send" and "have them send"?

"Ask them to send" is a direct request, while "have them send" implies you are arranging for them to send something, potentially through someone else's authority or influence. The phrase "have them send" often indicates indirect action.

Is it correct to say "ask for them to send" instead of "ask them to send"?

While "ask for them to send" isn't grammatically incorrect, it's less common and can sound awkward. "Ask them to send" is the more natural and preferred phrasing.

What can I say instead of "ask them to send" if I want to emphasize urgency?

To emphasize urgency, consider using "urge them to send" or "request they expedite sending". These options convey a greater sense of immediacy.