asking to have

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "asking to have" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting possession or the opportunity to receive something. Example: "She is asking to have her application reviewed by the committee."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Now he is getting calls asking to have boats prepared for the winter.

The New York Times

"People were coming to me asking to have a root put in right away," he said.

The New York Times - Style

"We're not asking to have the debt forgiven, we're just asking for a little more time.

The New York Times

"Girls are asking to have their throats checked, more," Ms. Dominguez said.

The New York Times

In Turkey, he said, those asking to have their way are a majority.

The New York Times

Mr. McGreevey stood up, smiling, and the women surrounded him, asking to have their pictures taken with him.

The New York Times

"We were banging our heads and asking to have an environmental impact statement for such a long time".

The New York Times

"I've never met any athlete, any agent, any person in the world … asking to have a payment.

The Guardian - Sport

Her narrators are often at the end of their roads, going invisible, asking to have their legacies dismantled.

The New Yorker

And for me this is much more dubious than Alberto asking to have his picture in the hall.

The New York Times - Arts

"But they were asking to have the Olympics also, so for me, this is a good start".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "asking to have", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being requested. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "asking to have" in situations where the object of the request is vague. Always specify what is being asked for.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking to have" functions as an infinitive phrase, typically acting as a noun or adjective within a sentence. It expresses a request, desire, or inquiry, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "asking to have" is a common and grammatically correct infinitive phrase used to express a request or inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure that the object of the request is clearly specified to avoid ambiguity. While synonyms like "requesting to possess" and "seeking permission to have" exist, the core meaning remains consistent: to express a desire to obtain something.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requesting to possess

Replaces "asking" with "requesting" and uses "possess" instead of "have", focusing on ownership.

seeking permission to have

Emphasizes the act of seeking permission before possessing something.

applying to receive

Highlights the act of applying in order to get something.

desiring to be granted

Focuses on the desire to be given something, often implying a formal request.

wishing to acquire

Emphasizes the wish or desire to obtain or acquire something.

petitioning to obtain

Highlights the act of formally petitioning to get or obtain something.

inquiring about receiving

Focuses on the act of inquiring or asking for information about the possibility of receiving something.

expressing a desire for

General statement of wanting something with no explicit request.

showing interest in possessing

Highlights the demonstration of interest in owning something.

looking to secure

Implies effort to achieve a state of having something, often with a competitive aspect.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "asking to have" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "requesting to possess" or "seeking permission to have", which add a layer of formality and precision.

Is "asking to have" grammatically correct?

Yes, "asking to have" is grammatically correct. It functions as an infinitive phrase, commonly used to express a request or desire.

When is it appropriate to use "asking to have" in writing?

"Asking to have" is appropriate in various contexts, from informal requests to more formal inquiries. Consider using it when you want to express a direct request for something.

What are some common synonyms for "asking to have"?

Common synonyms include "applying to receive", "desiring to be granted", or "wishing to acquire", offering alternative ways to express the same basic idea.