ask to be released

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask to be released" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone is requesting permission to leave a situation, such as a meeting, a contract, or a commitment. Example: "After discussing the terms, I decided to ask to be released from the agreement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Hayes will probably ask to be released.

The New York Times - Sports

"If they don't, then we would probably ask to be released".

The New York Times - Sports

It is extremely rare for a family to ask to be released from the Early Decision commitment for financial reasons.

Columbia University

(Apparently, that's what you get when you ask to be released from your contract, as Ms. Alexander had).

The New York Times

Mr. Phillipos is to appear in Federal District Court in Boston on Monday and will ask to be released on bond, his lawyers said.

The New York Times

You can, but, if you're holding any current offers, you'll need to ask to be released by those universities before you can apply through Clearing.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

"They were asking to be released from Gitmo," he said.

The New York Times

Culpepper asked to be released and was traded to Miami.

The New York Times - Sports

With regret Ms. Fleming asked to be released from "Traviata".

The New York Times

After two years of silence, Paul asked to be released from the engagement.

Independent

First he asked to be released for three months to see what America was doing.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ask to be released" in a formal context, clearly state the reasons for your request to ensure a smoother process and better understanding from the other party.

Common error

Avoid using "ask to be released" in a way that obscures who is doing the asking. Clarify the subject of the sentence to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask to be released" functions as a verb phrase indicating a request for freedom from a commitment, obligation, or confinement. It signifies the act of formally seeking permission or agreement to be freed from a binding situation, aligning with Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask to be released" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that signifies a formal request to be freed from an obligation, contract, or commitment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is usable in various contexts, with a prevalence in news and media sources. When employing this phrase, clarity in stating the reasons for the request is crucial for effective communication. While alternatives such as "request a discharge" or "seek a dismissal" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality. Overall, the phrase serves as a neutral yet professional means of initiating discussions about ending commitments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

request a discharge

Formal alternative emphasizing official termination of an obligation.

seek a dismissal

Implies a formal request to be removed from a position or duty.

apply for exemption

Focuses on requesting an exception from a rule or requirement.

desire to be freed

Expresses a wish to be released. It's a slightly more passive and less direct.

petition for freedom

Emphasizes a formal appeal for liberation, often from confinement.

wish to be let go

Informal and focuses on being allowed to leave a situation or job.

beg for liberation

Highlights a desperate plea for release, often from oppression.

inquire about exiting

Suggests exploring the possibility of leaving an agreement or commitment.

negotiate a departure

Focuses on reaching a mutual agreement to end a relationship or contract.

arrange for release

Emphasis on planning and logistics for being freed from an obligation.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "ask to be released"?

The phrase "ask to be released" is appropriate when someone is formally requesting to be freed from an obligation, contract, commitment, or confinement. The context often involves seeking permission or a formal agreement for termination.

What are some alternative phrases to "ask to be released" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "request a discharge", "seek a dismissal", or "apply for exemption". These alternatives offer varying degrees of formality and specificity.

How does "ask to be released" differ from "demand to be released"?

"Ask to be released" implies a request, often with the understanding that permission is needed. "Demand to be released" suggests a forceful insistence on freedom, implying a right or claim to it. The former is generally more polite and less confrontational.

Is "ask to be released" formal or informal?

The formality of "ask to be released" depends on the context. While generally neutral, it tends toward the formal side, especially in legal or contractual situations. More informal options include "want to be let go" or similar phrasing.