asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of requesting information or clarification from someone. Example: "I am asking for your opinion on the matter before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"There will be some circumstances in which it's right for public bodies, for example at the border, at airport security, to say there is a practical necessity for asking somebody to remove a veil.

The Guardian

We are asking you to vote for your favourite project.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

When leaving a message on this page, please be sensitive to the fact that you are responding to a real person in the grip of a real-life dilemma, who wrote to Private Lives asking for help, and may well view your comments here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

To move Europe away from the brink, voters and politicians on all sides need to stop asking themselves what's fair and start asking themselves what's possible.

The Economist

I remember having a conversation with Yvette Cooper's adviser, in which he was asking how much we would save from liberating women who had been trafficked.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In one instance, Koelma sent a draft letter from O'Farrell's office in support of AWH's bid for a lucrative public-private partnership to the water company's chief executive, Nick Di Girolamo, asking him for input.

The Guardian

His wife, Patience, led the rally with a song asking God to guarantee his victory.

The Guardian

His brother keeps asking what's wrong with him.

The Guardian

"I kept asking for my boyfriend who was in the waiting room, and they just didn't bring him back.

The Guardian

In September 2012, as part of my PhD studies, I made a routine request under the Freedom of Information Act asking the Department for Education to release the application forms submitted by groups who had applied to open free schools, and the letters sent to inform them about the government's decision to either grant or deny their application.

The Guardian

"People are increasingly asking 'is my money having an impact?"says David Kane, senior research officer at NCVO. "I think [charities are] being challenged, more so than in the past, to make sure people are comfortable with how their donations are spent".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asking", ensure the context clearly indicates who is asking and what is being asked. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "asking" in overly passive constructions that obscure the agent of the action. Instead of saying "It is asking that...", specify who is doing the asking.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "asking" is as a verb form, specifically the present participle or gerund of the verb "ask". Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in expressing requests, inquiries, or solicitations as shown in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "asking" functions as a verb form used to make inquiries or requests across a wide range of contexts. Ludwig AI validates its widespread and grammatically sound usage. While generally neutral in register, it is most frequently found in news and media, lifestyle and sports publications. When using "asking", clarity and context are essential to ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquiring

Uses a different verb form to express the act of seeking information.

questioning

Emphasizes the act of posing questions to obtain information or clarification.

requesting

Focuses on the act of making a formal appeal or petition.

querying

Suggests a more formal or investigative approach to asking.

seeking

Implies a broader search for something, including information.

appealing

Highlights the act of making an earnest or urgent request.

probing

Indicates a thorough or searching inquiry.

begging

Implies an urgent and humble request.

interviewing

Refers to asking a series of questions in a structured conversation.

canvassing

Describes the act of soliciting votes or support by asking.

FAQs

How can I use "asking" in a sentence?

"Asking" is used to inquire or request something. For example, "I am asking for your help" or "She is asking a question".

What can I say instead of "asking"?

You can use alternatives like "inquiring", "questioning", or "requesting", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "asking to" or "asking for"?

Both "asking to" and "asking for" are correct, but they have different meanings. "Asking to" is followed by a verb (e.g., "asking to leave"), while "asking for" is followed by a noun (e.g., "asking for help").

What's the difference between "asking" and "demanding"?

"Asking" implies a polite request, while "demanding" suggests a forceful or authoritative request. Demanding indicates a sense of entitlement or expectation.