asked to step

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asked to step" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is requested to leave a situation or to take a step back, often in a formal or professional setting. Example: "After the incident, he was asked to step outside for a private conversation with the manager."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The officers asked to step inside.

The New Yorker

Mr. Lamos was asked to step in.

The New York Times

"I was never asked to step down," Dr. Hammonds said.

The New York Times

Participants were asked to step outside their comfort zone.

The Guardian - Opinion

That's when he is often asked to step in, Mr. Schwartz said.

The New York Times

Now there is an expectation that the International Monetary Fund may be asked to step in.

Independent

"More than likely I'll probably be asked to step down," Nielsen said.

Independent

A few months after the Vatican settled the case, Boyle was asked to step down.

The New Yorker

You are asked to step out of the car for some "field sobriety tests".

The New York Times - Magazine

Who is being asked to step down from power in Liberia and why? e.

The New York Times

Each was asked to step to the microphone to talk about the victory.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asked to step" in formal writing, ensure the context clearly indicates whether it's a literal request to move or a figurative request to resign or take action. Clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid using "asked to step" without providing sufficient context. Readers might misinterpret it as a literal request to move, especially if the intended meaning is to resign or withdraw.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asked to step" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone received a request or instruction to move, withdraw, or participate. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and varied usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "asked to step" is a versatile passive construction frequently employed to denote a request for physical movement or a more nuanced suggestion to withdraw or resign. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts, its register leans towards neutral to professional. When using the phrase, ensure clarity to avoid misinterpretations, as it can convey different meanings based on the surrounding context. Alternatives such as "requested to move" or "required to withdraw" may provide greater precision depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requested to move

Focuses on the act of physically moving in response to a request. Slightly more formal.

required to withdraw

Highlights the obligation to remove oneself, often from a position or situation.

directed to proceed

Indicates an instruction to continue or advance, often in a formal context.

invited to participate

Emphasizes inclusion and involvement rather than a literal step or removal.

instructed to recede

Directly indicates a command to move back or away.

prompted to advance

Suggests encouragement to move forward or take action.

summoned to appear

Implies a formal or official request to be present.

beckoned to come forward

Suggests a welcoming invitation to approach.

encouraged to contribute

Focuses on the positive aspect of contributing actively.

solicited to engage

Implies a request for involvement or participation.

FAQs

How can I use "asked to step" in a sentence?

You can use "asked to step" to indicate a request to physically move, as in, "The crowd was asked to step aside". It can also mean being requested to resign or withdraw, as in, "He was asked to step down from his position".

What's the difference between "asked to step down" and "forced to resign"?

"Asked to step down" often implies a formal request or suggestion to leave a position, while "forced to resign" suggests a more direct and possibly involuntary action.

What can I say instead of "asked to step"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "requested to move", "invited to participate", or "required to withdraw".

Is "asked to step" formal or informal?

"Asked to step" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's generally more common in neutral to formal settings, especially when referring to professional or official situations.