ask upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask upon" is not correct and is not commonly used in written English.
It is unclear and does not convey a clear meaning in standard English usage. Example: "I would like to ask upon your expertise for assistance." (This would be better phrased as "ask for" or "seek").

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Some secure messaging apps may be misused, which is why many of them ask upon sign-up that you won't use them for illegal purposes.

The New York Times - Tech

The answer is the same one our parents gave us when we asked, and we give our children when they ask, upon the celebration of Mother's Day and Father's Day, when it will be Children's Day.

The New Yorker

Academics doing research in Cuba, for example, are generally expected to have (and to show to travel providers or American customs officials, if they ask upon return) a copy of their C.V., published research relevant to what they're studying in Cuba, and an itinerary of whom they are going to meet, or have met, with locations and times.

The New York Times - Travel

What is rock 'n' roll, one may ask upon seeing the names Hall & Oates, Linda Ronstadt, Cat Stevens and Peter Gabriel on this year's list of finalists for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Los Angeles Times

As for me, I may begin to ask upon entering a new restaurant, not the name of the chef in the back, but "Hey, what's the name of the guy up front?" My prediction for 2012?

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

"How did you know that?" he asked upon finishing.

The New York Times - Sports

The questions were asked upon immediate entry into the transitional zone.

Sustainable Cities and Society

"Did I have a good time?" Ms. Eftimiadis asked upon their return.

The New York Times - Travel

"Who is this man?" Nancy Curtis had asked upon being told to get in touch with David Bradley.

The New Yorker

"Where do these people come from?" he asks upon seeing an uncommonly disciplined-looking officer in full military regalia.

The New Yorker

"What the fuck is this?" he asked upon being handed an oval AFL ball for the first time.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "ask upon" in your writing. It is not standard English and can confuse your readers. Use "ask for" or "request" instead for clarity.

Common error

A common mistake is to use the wrong preposition after "ask". Instead of "ask upon", use "ask for" when requesting something or "ask about" when seeking information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask upon" functions as a verb phrase, where "ask" is the verb and "upon" is a preposition. However, this construction is generally considered grammatically incorrect in modern English. Ludwig AI confirms its infrequent and questionable usage.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

40%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask upon" is generally considered grammatically incorrect and is rarely used in standard English. Ludwig AI identifies the phrase as non-standard. While some instances can be found in news articles and scientific publications, these are likely due to errors or non-native English usage. Alternatives such as "ask for", "request", or "inquire about" are recommended for clarity and grammatical correctness. Using these alternatives will ensure your writing is clear, professional, and easily understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask for

Replaces "upon" with "for" to indicate a request.

request

Offers a more formal synonym for "ask", removing the preposition.

inquire about

Provides a slightly more formal way to ask, focusing on seeking information.

seek

Implies a more proactive search or request, replacing the entire phrase.

ask about

A common alternative to inquire for general questions.

consult

Suggests seeking advice or guidance, implying a more expert source.

enquire

A more formal British English alternative to "ask".

pose a question

Replaces "ask" with a more formal phrasing.

put a question to

Another more formal way to phrase asking a question.

look for

To search for something or somebody by visual inspection.

FAQs

What is the correct way to use "ask" with a preposition?

The correct prepositions to use with "ask" depend on the context. Use "ask for" when requesting something (e.g., "ask for help") and "ask about" when inquiring about something (e.g., "ask about the weather").

What can I say instead of "ask upon"?

Instead of "ask upon", use more common and correct alternatives like "ask for", "request", or "inquire about".

Is "ask upon" ever correct in English?

The phrase "ask upon" is generally considered incorrect in modern English. It's better to use alternatives like "ask for" or "request" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

How do I avoid mistakes when using the word "ask"?

Pay attention to the preposition that follows "ask". "Ask for" is used to request something, while "ask about" is used to inquire about something. Avoid using "ask upon" as it is not a standard English construction.