asking for candy

USAGE SUMMARY

"asking for candy" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to illustrate that you are making a request for a treat. For example: "My young daughter was asking for candy at the store."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

They were asking for candy.

The New Yorker

"I want fish," Naomi says, sticking out her bottom lip like a child asking for candy.

The New York Times - Style

Asking for candy on Halloween was called trick-or-treating, but asking on November 1st was called begging.

The New Yorker

A20 NEW YORK/REGION B1-7 Halloween Restrictions For Paroled Sex Offenders The authorities in jurisdictions including Westchester County and New Jersey are placing registered sex offenders under one-night curfews or other restrictions out of fear that in only a few days, children dressed in costumes and asking for candy will be arriving on their doorsteps.

The New York Times

Instead of visiting neighbors and asking for candy, try knocking on their doors and giving them a home-baked, healthy treat.

Huffington Post

And on days when it's not Halloween, get a costume and go door-to-door asking for candy.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

ZOMBIES will come to my door on Wednesday night — in rags, eye-sockets blackened, pumping devices that make fake blood run down their faces — asking for candies.

The New York Times

The day after they arrived, Mr. Machado still vividly remembers, his uncle gave them costumes and sent them out into the neighborhood to ask for candy.

The New York Times

Most will probably be dressed as Thomas the Tank Engine or Pinkalicious or something along those lines, but take special note if you see a kid in a baseball uniform who doesn't even ask for candy.

The New York Times

As their families grew older and closer, living in the same apartment complex, Toe's children would dash up the dusty steps to Jallah's home after school, to ask for candy.

The Guardian

My decorations are still all up, and tonight actual children will come to my house and ask for candy.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a child's behavior, "asking for candy" is suitable for general contexts. For formal writing, consider "requesting sweets" or specifying the type of candy.

Common error

Avoid using "asking for candy" to describe situations where the request is for something other than literal candy. Be specific about what is being requested, for example "asking for help" or "asking for information".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking for candy" functions as a gerund phrase, where "asking" acts as a noun describing the action of requesting candy. This is supported by the examples in Ludwig, where the phrase is used to describe a specific behavior or activity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "asking for candy" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression predominantly used to depict the act of requesting sweets, often within informal contexts such as news or wiki articles. Ludwig's AI confirms its usability in everyday language. While considered uncommon, its meaning is straightforward, denoting a request typically associated with children and holidays like Halloween. When aiming for a more formal tone, alternatives like "requesting sweets" might be more suitable. However, in general conversations or narratives, "asking for candy" serves its purpose effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting sweets

Uses a more formal synonym for "candy".

wanting sweets

A simpler and less direct expression.

begging for treats

Implies a more desperate or childlike plea.

inquiring about sweets

A more polite and indirect way of asking.

demanding goodies

Suggests a more forceful or entitled request.

seeking sugary snacks

Replaces "candy" with a more descriptive phrase.

expecting a treat

Shifts the focus to anticipation rather than a direct request.

soliciting confectionery

A highly formal and uncommon alternative.

fishing for goodies

Implies trying to get sweets indirectly.

hustling for handouts

Suggests a more aggressive or informal approach to obtaining something.

FAQs

How can I use "asking for candy" in a sentence?

You can use "asking for candy" to describe someone requesting sweets, such as, "The children were "asking for candy" on Halloween night".

What can I say instead of "asking for candy"?

Alternatives include "requesting sweets", "wanting sweets", or "begging for treats", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "asking for candy" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "asking for candy" is more suited for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise or sophisticated language like "requesting confectionery".

What's the difference between "asking for candy" and "trick-or-treating"?

"Asking for candy" is a general phrase describing the act of requesting sweets. "Trick-or-treating" is a specific activity on Halloween where children go door-to-door "asking for candy" in costume.