asking too much

USAGE SUMMARY

"asking too much" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when someone requests something that is seen as unreasonable or excessive. For example: "I asked for a small raise, but my boss was asking too much when he requested I work longer hours for the same salary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Am I asking too much?

The New York Times

Is that asking too much?

The New York Times - Sports

Anything more might be asking too much.

The New York Times - Sports

Or are we asking too much?

The New Yorker

By not asking too much of them.

The New Yorker

That could be asking too much.

The Guardian

That would be asking too much.

The New York Times - Sports

That may be asking too much.

The New York Times - Sports

Or is that asking too much?

The Guardian - Opinion

But this was asking too much.

The New Yorker

That's not asking too much".

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This phrase is highly effective when paired with modals to soften a critique, for example, 'This might be "asking too much" of the current system'.

Common error

Do not use "asking too much" when you are referring to a countable number of individual questions. Use "asking too many" for countable items (e.g. 'asking too many questions') and "asking too much" for the intensity, weight or unreasonableness of a request.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "asking too much" typically functions as a gerund phrase acting as a noun. It can serve as the subject of a sentence (e.g. '"Asking too much" can alienate employees') or as the object of a verb or preposition. Ludwig AI categorizes it as a correct and usable expression for describing unreasonable requests.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "asking too much" is a robust and universally accepted phrase in the English language. Ludwig AI and real-world data from prestigious institutions like Yale and Duke University confirm its utility in describing requests that cross the line into unreasonableness. Whether you are writing a sports analysis, a social commentary or a business report, this phrase remains a precise and effective way to critique overreaching expectations. It is especially powerful in the form of a rhetorical question, challenging the reader to reconsider the fairness of a situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

asking for too much

Includes the preposition 'for' which is equally correct but slightly changes the rhythmic flow

demanding too much

Carries a stronger, more assertive tone than the original phrase

expecting too much

Focuses on the internal anticipation or standards rather than the external request

seeking too much

Replaces 'asking' with a verb that implies a more active search or pursuit

overreaching

A single-word formal alternative suggesting an attempt to do more than is possible or allowed

being unreasonable

Describes the person's behavior or character rather than the specific request

asking for the moon

An idiomatic and hyperbolic way to describe an impossible request

requesting excessive favors

More specific to acts of kindness and significantly more formal

setting the bar too high

An idiomatic expression focused specifically on performance standards

pushing it

A highly informal or colloquial way to suggest someone is nearing the limit of what is acceptable

FAQs

Is the phrase "asking too much" grammatically correct?

Yes, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, "asking too much" is entirely correct and standard in written English. It functions as a gerund phrase and is widely used in both formal and informal writing.

What is a more formal way to say "asking too much"?

In professional or academic contexts, you might consider using phrases like "demanding excessive" or "imposing unreasonable expectations".

When should I use "asking too much" versus "asking too many"?

Use "asking too much" for uncountable concepts like effort, time, or sacrifice. Use "asking too many" when followed by a plural noun, such as questions or favors.

How do I use "asking too much" in a sentence?

It is often used with 'is' or 'might be' to describe a situation, for example: 'Expecting him to finish the project in one day is "asking too much"'.