ask you for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'ask you for' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe making a request of someone. For example, "The teacher asked the students for their homework."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They ask you for advice.

The Guardian - Money

"I ask you for your prayers.

The New York Times

"We don't ask you for free iPhones.

Independent

(5) Did they ask you for permission?

The Guardian - Music

Do people ask you for training tips?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

We'll never ask you for your papers.

The New Yorker

First, they ask you for food.

The New York Times

They'll ask you for your public-key.

University of California, Berkeley

They certainly don't ask you for money.

The Guardian - Arts

Later, Jim will ask you for an even bigger favor.

The New Yorker

"I ask you for forgiveness on my poorly chosen words".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone and formality of the situation. More formal situations might benefit from using synonyms like "request" or "solicit".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "ask you for" in professional or academic writing. Vary your language by using more formal alternatives such as "request", "seek", or "solicit" to maintain a polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask you for" primarily functions as a verbal phrase used to initiate a request. It combines the verb "ask" with a direct object pronoun "you" and the preposition "for" to indicate the recipient of the request and the object or action being sought. As Ludwig AI says, it is typically used to describe making a request of someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

26%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "ask you for" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to make a request. According to Ludwig AI, it is used to describe making a request of someone. Its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing, making it a versatile option for expressing needs or seeking assistance. While generally neutral in tone, it's important to consider the context and opt for more formal synonyms like "request" or "solicit" in professional settings. Remember to be specific in your requests to avoid ambiguity, and be mindful of overusing the phrase in highly formal writing. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and appropriately use "ask you for" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ask something of you

This is a more general way of phrasing the request, without specifying what is being asked for.

request something from you

This alternative is a more formal way of expressing the request, using "request" instead of "ask" and specifying "something".

put in a request to you

A slightly more roundabout way of phrasing a request, highlighting the act of making the request.

solicit your help

This alternative uses "solicit", implying a more formal or urgent request, particularly for assistance.

seek your input

This phrase specifically requests advice, opinions, or ideas.

require your assistance

This alternative indicates that the request is necessary and involves some form of aid.

make a demand of you

This implies a stronger, more assertive request, potentially suggesting an expectation of compliance.

appeal to you for

This implies a more emotional or urgent request, often for support or understanding.

petition you for

Suggests a formal request, often in a legal or official context.

entreat you to provide

A highly formal and somewhat archaic way of asking, suggesting deep sincerity or desperation.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "ask you for"?

You can use alternatives like "request something from you", "solicit your help", or "seek your input" depending on the context.

How to use "ask you for" in a sentence?

The phrase "ask you for" is typically followed by the specific thing being requested. For example, "I will ask you for advice" or "They might ask you for money."

Is it correct to say "I'm asking for you"?

The phrase "I'm asking for you" is grammatically incorrect and sounds unnatural. You should rather use "I'm asking about you" or "I'm asking on behalf of you" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "ask you for" and "ask of you"?

The phrase "ask you for" is used to request something tangible or intangible from someone, while "ask of you" implies making a request that involves action or a duty. For example, "I ask you for your opinion" vs. "I ask of you to consider this proposal carefully."