asked for handouts

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asked for handouts" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone requesting financial assistance or support, often in a context where such requests are viewed negatively. Example: "During the meeting, he openly asked for handouts to support his failing business."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"In fact, Lynda and some other wives came to the door at lunch and asked for handouts".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Developing countries are not asking for handouts.

The Guardian

"They are not on welfare, they're not asking for handouts.

The Economist

"These guys are used to making a living, and not asking for handouts".

The New York Times

"We're not asking for handouts," said Philip Haynie, a Virginia farmer.

The New York Times

But it seems my son's school is constantly asking for handouts.

The New York Times

Despite this, it's a proud place where people don't like to ask for handouts.

The Guardian

At least people who do that seem embarrassed when they ask for handouts.

The New York Times

Along the route are more Bedouin either asking for handouts of food or to change dinars for dollars.

The New York Times

He wants to be warm and dry, he wants to have food to eat without asking for handouts, and above all he wants somewhere to call home.

The Guardian

The vendors, meanwhile, ask why large developments like Harlem U.S.A., the large shopping complex on 125th Street, can be given government incentives while they are seen as asking for handouts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asked for handouts", consider the audience and the context. In formal settings, more neutral terms like "requested financial assistance" or "applied for aid" may be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "asked for handouts" in formal or professional writing. It can come across as judgmental or dismissive. Instead, opt for more neutral and respectful alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asked for handouts" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It typically acts as the predicate of a sentence, describing the action of requesting assistance, often financial. As Ludwig AI states, it is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Wiki

1%

Science

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "asked for handouts" is a verb phrase used to describe the act of requesting financial assistance, often with a negative connotation. While grammatically correct, it's crucial to consider the context and audience when using it, as more neutral alternatives like "requested financial assistance" or "sought charity" might be more appropriate in formal settings. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English but carries a specific implication. Its frequent use in news and media suggests a neutral-to-informal register, highlighting its role in describing situations where individuals or entities seek aid.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requested financial assistance

Replaces the informal term "handouts" with a more formal "financial assistance".

appealed for aid

Highlights the urgency and need for assistance.

sought charity

Emphasizes the act of seeking aid from charitable sources.

petitioned for support

Suggests a formal request to an authority or organization for help.

sought government subsidies

Specifically seeks financial aid from the government.

applied for welfare

Specifically refers to applying for government assistance programs.

begged for alms

Conveys a sense of desperation and dependence on charity.

solicited donations

Implies a formal request for contributions, often for a specific cause.

scrounged for funds

Indicates an informal and perhaps desperate search for money.

hit someone up for money

Uses a slang term to suggest requesting funds.

FAQs

What does "asked for handouts" mean?

The phrase "asked for handouts" generally means to request or seek financial assistance or aid, often with the implication that the request is for something freely given and perhaps undeserved.

What can I say instead of "asked for handouts"?

You can use alternatives like "requested financial assistance", "sought charity", or "applied for welfare" depending on the context.

Is "asked for handouts" a negative term?

Yes, "asked for handouts" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting dependence or a lack of self-sufficiency. Using more neutral terms can avoid this negative implication.

How to use "asked for handouts" in a sentence?

Example: "The company was criticized for "asked for handouts" from the government instead of developing a sustainable business plan."