asked for

USAGE SUMMARY

"asked for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that someone made a request. For example: Mary asked for a glass of water.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's asked for forgiveness.

The New Yorker

Carl asked for goggles.

The New Yorker

She asked for ideas.

The New York Times

She asked for help.

The New York Times

He asked for understanding.

The New York Times

They asked for marriage.

The New York Times

You asked for monumental?

Independent

Strangers asked for hugs.

The New York Times

He asked for more.

The New York Times

"We asked for help.

The New York Times

Colby asked for Ives.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required. While generally acceptable, more formal situations might benefit from synonyms like "requested" or "solicited".

Common error

Avoid using "asked for" when implying blame or deserved consequences. While phrases like "he asked for it" exist, ensure the audience understands the tone to prevent misinterpretation. Using it lightly can be offensive.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "asked for" is a phrasal verb, serving as the past tense form of "ask for". It is used to indicate that a request or solicitation was made. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "asked for" is a common and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to describe the act of making a request. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While alternatives like "requested" or "solicited" may be more appropriate for formal settings, "asked for" maintains a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations, particularly in contexts where blame might be implied. With a high expert rating and frequency, "asked for" stands as a reliable and versatile phrase in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requested

Direct synonym, implying a formal request.

sought

Implies a more formal or earnest seeking.

solicited

Suggests actively seeking something, often advice or assistance.

inquired about

Implies seeking information regarding something.

put in a request for

More formal and explicit, often used in business or official contexts.

called for

Can imply a public or formal demand.

made a demand for

Suggests a stronger, more forceful request, potentially with an expectation of compliance.

appealed for

Implies a heartfelt or urgent request, often for help or sympathy.

petitioned for

Suggests a formal appeal, often to an authority.

craved

Signifies a strong desire, more emotional than a simple request.

FAQs

How to use "asked for" in a sentence?

Use "asked for" to indicate that someone made a request. For example, "She "asked for" a raise" means she requested a salary increase.

What can I say instead of "asked for"?

You can use alternatives like "requested", "solicited", or "inquired about" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "asked for" or "requested for"?

"Asked for" is generally preferred. "Requested" is a verb that directly implies asking, so adding "for" can be redundant. While "requested for" isn't incorrect, "asked for" or simply "requested" are more common and concise.

What's the difference between "asked for" and "demanded"?

"Asked for" implies a simple request, while "demanded" suggests a more forceful or authoritative request, often with an expectation of compliance. For example, someone might "ask for" a favor, but demand a refund.