be asked not to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be asked not to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is being requested or instructed to refrain from doing something. Example: "Employees may be asked not to use personal devices during work hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'm not sure that they really should be asked not to participate.

The New Yorker

They will be asked not to display any national symbols like flag patches sewn on their clothes.

The New York Times

Spectators will be asked not to dance randomly in the streets or to board floats that are in motion.

The New York Times

In other cases, news media might be asked not to compromise intelligence operations by exposing an identity (an obvious example, in my view, would be the WikiLeaks stories).

The New York Times

The White House suggested that print media might also be asked not to publish the complete texts of Mr. bin Laden's statements.

The New York Times

The architects will be asked not to place any residential buildings on the site, however, contrary to a proposal made months ago by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg.

The New York Times

"There may be an an occasion when the committee is discussing confidential information and advisory members may be asked not to join a specific meeting," he said.

The New York Times

If you are having a sedative with local anesthesia, or if you are having general anesthesia, you'll be asked not to eat anything after midnight on the day before the surgery.

Harvard University

Parents will be asked not to read Mother Goose and other rimes to their children but only... fiction.

University of Chicago

You may be asked not to move through particular areas for brief periods of time while cameras are rolling.

Johns Hopkins University

Typically, once it becomes obvious that you keep winning, you will be asked not to play 21 anymore.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be asked not to", ensure clarity about who is making the request and why. This prevents ambiguity and makes the instruction easier to follow.

Common error

Ensure that the context makes it clear who is doing the asking and who is being asked. Vague phrasing can lead to misinterpretations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be asked not to" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone is receiving a request or instruction to avoid a particular action. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The numerous examples in Ludwig showcase its versatility across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

25%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be asked not to" is a common and grammatically sound way to express a request or instruction to refrain from a certain action. As Ludwig AI highlights, it’s a versatile construction found frequently in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While grammatically correct, clarity regarding who is making the request is essential. Alternatives like "be requested to refrain from" or "be instructed not to" offer varying degrees of formality, depending on the situation. Keep in mind the context and desired tone when choosing the most appropriate phrasing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be told not to

A simpler and more direct way of saying "be asked not to".

be requested to refrain from

More formal and emphasizes the act of refraining.

be instructed not to

Implies a more direct order or command.

be advised against

Indicates a recommendation not to do something.

be discouraged from

Suggests that actions are being taken to prevent someone from doing something.

are required not to

More forceful, suggesting a rule or regulation is in place.

be urged not to

Emphasizes the strength of the recommendation against doing something.

are expected not to

Indicates an anticipation that someone will not perform a specific action.

must not

Expresses a prohibition against a certain action, often with stronger implications.

should not

Expresses advice or recommendation against an action.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be asked not to" in a more formal way?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "be requested to refrain from" or "be instructed not to", depending on the context.

What's a more casual alternative to "be asked not to"?

In less formal situations, consider using "be told not to" or "advised against" for a more conversational tone.

Is it always necessary to specify who is doing the asking when using "be asked not to"?

While not always necessary, specifying who is making the request can add clarity and authority to the statement. Consider whether the source of the request is relevant to the message.

What is the difference between "be asked not to" and "be advised against"?

"Be asked not to" implies a direct request, whereas "be advised against" suggests a recommendation or warning. The choice depends on the strength and nature of the guidance.