can be asked for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "can be asked for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is available upon request or can be requested by someone. Example: "The information you need can be asked for at the front desk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Santeros believe in a supreme being, Oloddumare, and a pantheon of orishas who can be asked for help in everyday life.

The New York Times

Similar questions can be asked for other surfaces.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In particular, the constructor can be asked for detailed information only about the most significant parameters.

Reliability Engineering & System Safety

If a major event breaks during the day, leaders can be asked for their reaction.

Independent

So one question can be asked for them: Is democracy worth it?

The New York Times

To this end, in this paper, we develop a comprehensive PN mechanism for repeated interactions that makes use of rewards that can be asked for or given to.

Artificial Intelligence

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"They can be asking for this and that.

The New York Times - Food

As a historian of the American Revolution, I have learned that to write about the Founders is guaranteed to get a lively response from general readers; to criticize them can be asking for trouble.

Huffington Post

Wandering into strife-torn countries with a camera can be asking for trouble, especially if you're mistaken for a journalist.

WikiHow

Patients with obvious clinical T4 stage can be asked preoperatively for informed consent with simultaneous HIPEC if randomized in the experimental arm.

BMC Cancer

Now no teacher can be asked to cover for another unless it's an emergency.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "can be asked for", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being asked for. Clarity prevents ambiguity and enhances readability.

Common error

Avoid using "can be asked for" when the active voice is more direct and appropriate. For instance, instead of "Information can be asked for from the librarian", consider "Ask the librarian for information."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "can be asked for" functions as a passive construction indicating the possibility of requesting something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It describes an action that can be done to a subject, rather than an action the subject performs.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "can be asked for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that indicates something is available upon request. Ludwig confirms its validity and common usage. While it appears in diverse contexts such as news, science, and business, it maintains a relatively neutral register. For clearer and more direct communication, particularly in active voice contexts, consider alternatives like "can be requested" or "is available upon request". Be mindful to maintain clarity when using "can be asked for" to avoid ambiguity about the subject of the request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

can be requested

Replaces "asked for" with a more formal synonym, "requested".

is available upon request

Shifts the focus to availability rather than the act of asking.

can be inquired about

Uses "inquired about" which is a more formal and indirect way of saying "asked for".

is subject to request

Highlights the conditional nature of obtaining something.

may be solicited

Implies a more formal or official process of seeking something.

can be applied for

Specifically used when referring to applications or formal requests.

is obtainable by request

Emphasizes the possibility of obtaining something through a request.

can be called for

Suggests a need or demand that can be expressed.

is open to inquiry

Indicates that something is receptive to questions or investigation.

can be petitioned for

Refers to a formal written request.

FAQs

How can I use "can be asked for" in a sentence?

You can use "can be asked for" to indicate that something is available upon request. For example, "Additional information "can be asked for" at the reception desk".

What's a more formal alternative to "can be asked for"?

A more formal alternative is "can be requested". It maintains the same meaning but has a slightly more professional tone.

Is there a difference between "can be asked for" and "is available upon request"?

While both convey that something is obtainable, "is available upon request" emphasizes the availability, whereas ""can be asked for"" highlights the action of requesting.

Which is correct, "can be asked for" or "can ask for"?

"Can ask for" is active, implying someone is able to make a request. "Can be asked for" is passive, indicating that something is available if requested.