asked for something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asked for something" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a request made by someone for a specific item, information, or assistance. Example: "She asked for something to help her with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Mr. Cummings asked for something in writing.

The New York Times

She asked for something with orange juice.

The New York Times - Magazine

Perhaps it's time we asked for something similar over here.

The Guardian - Books

Before the meeting was over, they always asked for something.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I called the dermatologist and asked for something cheaper, even if it's not as good".

The New York Times - Health

Then Tiberius recovered consciousness, sat up, and asked for something to eat.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whenever the children asked for something, no matter how innocuous, Whitey instantly said no.

The New York Times - Sports

When he wasn't being asked for something, he mostly stayed in his hotel room, lying low.

The New York Times - Sports

"If Andre asked for something outside it, I would give it.

The New York Times - Sports

I asked for something closer to the action -- and the buffet.

The New York Times - Food

"I asked for something I could undo the day after we close," she said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asked for something", ensure the context clarifies what was being requested. If the request is vague, provide additional details to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "asked for something" without specifying what was requested. This can lead to confusion. Be specific about the nature of the request to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asked for something" functions as a verb phrase indicating a request was made. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is used to report that someone has requested something, without necessarily specifying what that something is.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "asked for something" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate a request without specifying its exact nature. Ludwig AI data confirms it's commonly found in news and media, fitting a neutral register. When employing this phrase, ensure the context sufficiently clarifies the request to avoid vagueness. Alternatives like "requested an item" or "sought assistance" may offer greater precision depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requested an item

Focuses on the act of requesting a specific item.

sought assistance

Focuses on seeking help or assistance.

inquired about an object

Highlights the act of inquiring about a particular object.

put in a request

Highlights the formal act of submitting a request.

solicited a favor

Emphasizes seeking a favor from someone.

appealed for support

Focuses on requesting support or advocacy.

made a demand

Implies a stronger, more assertive request.

applied for consideration

Highlights seeking consideration for a specific purpose.

placed an order

Specifically refers to ordering goods or services.

petitioned for aid

Emphasizes a formal appeal for help or support.

FAQs

How can I use "asked for something" in a sentence?

You can use "asked for something" to indicate a request. For example, "She "asked for something" to drink after the game".

What is a more formal way to say "asked for something"?

A more formal alternative to ""asked for something"" could be "requested an item" or "submitted a request depending on the context".

Which is correct, "asked for something" or "ask for something"?

"Asked for something" is used in the past tense, indicating that the request has already been made. "Ask for something" is used in the present or future tense.

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

"Asked for something" implies a polite or neutral request, while "demanded something" suggests a forceful or insistent request.