asking for

USAGE SUMMARY

"asking for" is correct and usable in both spoken and written English.
You can use it to indicate that you are seeking something or requesting something. For example: "I am asking for a raise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Asking for more".

The New Yorker

That's asking for trouble.

The New York Times - Sports

[It] is asking for trouble.

Independent

"People started asking for it".

The New York Times - Food

Questions worth asking, for sure.

The New York Times

"They were asking for money".

The Guardian

I'm asking for it, apparently.

The Guardian

"Sometimes they're asking for money.

The New York Times - Tech

Was he asking for help?

The New York Times

Am I asking for money?

The New York Times

Organizers are asking for patience.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asking for", ensure the context is clear regarding what is being requested. Specify the object of the request to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "asking for" without clearly stating what is being requested. For example, instead of saying "They are asking for it", be specific: "They are asking for more funding".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "asking for" is a verb phrase acting as a present participle, often indicating an ongoing action of requesting or seeking something. Ludwig's examples show it used in both direct and indirect requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Academia

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Asking for" is a versatile verb phrase used to express a request or solicitation. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. While it's generally neutral in register, ensuring clarity in your request is crucial. Consider alternatives like "requesting" or "seeking" for nuanced expression. Remember to clearly specify what you're "asking for" to avoid any ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting

Focuses more on the act of formally requesting something.

seeking

Implies a more active search or pursuit of something.

applying for

Specifically used when making an application for something, like a job or grant.

appealing for

Suggests a plea or urgent request, often for help or support.

soliciting

Implies asking for something, often money or support, in a formal or organized way.

inquiring about

Focuses on seeking information about something.

demanding

Conveys a strong and forceful request, often implying a sense of entitlement.

petitioning

Suggests a formal written request addressed to an authority.

desiring

Indicates a wish or longing for something.

pursuing

Emphasizes the action of actively trying to obtain something.

FAQs

How to use "asking for" in a sentence?

"Asking for" is used to indicate a request. For instance, "I am asking for help" or "They are asking for donations".

What can I say instead of "asking for"?

You can use alternatives like "requesting", "seeking", or "applying for" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "asking for" or "ask for"?

"Asking for" is the present participle form, often used in continuous tenses (e.g., "I am asking for assistance"), while "ask for" is the base form (e.g., "You should ask for help").

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

"Asking for" implies a general request, whereas "demanding" suggests a forceful request, often with an expectation of compliance.