asking a lot

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking a lot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing that a request or expectation is excessive or unreasonable. Example: "I understand you want me to finish this project in two days, but that's really asking a lot."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

When I'm asking a lot.

The New York Times

It is asking a lot.

Independent

But still, this was asking a lot.

The New York Times

Now that's asking a lot.

The New York Times

This is asking a lot.

The Guardian - Opinion

That isn't asking a lot.

The New York Times

"We're not asking a lot," he said.

The New York Times

This is not asking a lot.

The New York Times

I know I'm asking a lot.

The Guardian - Tech

"That's asking a lot these days".

The New York Times - Sports

"That's asking a lot of our horse.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "asking a lot" to express that a request or expectation is excessive or unreasonable in a clear and direct manner.

Common error

Avoid using "asking a lot" when simply requesting information; the phrase implies a significant imposition or burden.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking a lot" primarily functions as a comment on the scale or difficulty of a request or expectation. Ludwig examples showcase this in contexts ranging from sports to personal requests, indicating a broad applicability. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "asking a lot" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression primarily found in news and media contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it is correct and usable in written English. It serves to express that a request or expectation is considerable or perhaps unreasonable. While generally neutral in register, it's best suited for informal to professional communication, and less so for strictly formal or scientific writing. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the intention of conveying a significant imposition, and consider more precise alternatives like "demanding too much" in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

demanding too much

Focuses specifically on the act of requiring something, often suggesting it's excessive.

expecting a great deal

Highlights the level of anticipation or requirement being placed on someone or something.

requesting a lot

Emphasizes the act of formally seeking something, often implying the amount or scope is substantial.

imposing a burden

Indicates that the request or expectation is creating a hardship or difficulty.

placing high demands

Stresses the act of putting significant requirements on someone or something.

setting a high bar

Implies establishing a challenging standard or expectation.

requiring significant effort

Highlights that the task or request will take considerable work to complete.

making a big ask

Emphasizes the size or importance of the request.

pushing your luck

Suggests that the requester is risking negative consequences by asking for too much.

stretching it

Suggests that the request or expectation is going beyond reasonable limits.

FAQs

How can I use "asking a lot" in a sentence?

You can use "asking a lot" to express that a request or expectation is excessive or unreasonable. For example, "I know I'm "asking a lot", but could you please help me with this project?"

What can I say instead of "asking a lot"?

You can use alternatives like "demanding too much", "expecting a great deal", or "requesting a lot" depending on the context.

Is it ever appropriate to use "asking a lot" in formal writing?

While "asking a lot" is generally acceptable, in very formal writing, consider using a more precise alternative such as "placing high demands" or "requiring significant effort" to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean when someone says, "That's asking a lot"?

When someone says, "That's "asking a lot"", they typically mean that what is being requested is difficult, unreasonable, or requires significant effort or sacrifice.