could we ask

USAGE SUMMARY

"could we ask" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used as a polite way to request information or permission. For example: "Could we ask for your assistance in completing this project?" "Could we ask if there are any updates on the meeting agenda?" "Could we ask to extend the deadline for this assignment?" "Could we ask for your opinion on this matter?" "Could we ask you to join us for dinner tonight?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

"Could we ask questions anonymously?

The New Yorker

What more could we ask?

The Guardian

"How could we ask them to take risks together?

The New Yorker

Could we ask for a better action star?

The New York Times

What could we ask them for that they could grant?

The Guardian - Opinion

How many more profound, satisfyingly dark messages could we ask for?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

"We could bloody lose this couldn't we?" asks Alex Warwick.

The Guardian - Sport

"How could we?" he asked.

The New Yorker

"We could never return to Kosovo - how could we?" she asks, rubbing her face.

BBC

In future we could ask what we could do to improve their quality of life.

BBC

"Ali could play whatever we could ask her to play.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To sound even more polite, combine "could we ask" with a "please". For example: "Could we please ask..."

Common error

Avoid using "could we ask" in extremely informal settings where it might sound overly formal or stilted. In such cases, a more direct approach might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "could we ask" is to serve as a polite interrogative phrase used to introduce a question or request. It is commonly used to seek permission or make a formal inquiry. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase adheres to standard English grammar and is widely recognized.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could we ask" is a grammatically sound and polite phrase used to introduce questions or requests. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used correctly in contemporary writing. Its frequency is categorized as uncommon, with primary usage contexts being News & Media and Academia. The phrase conveys respect and deference, making it suitable for professional and formal communications. It’s important to consider the audience and context to ensure the phrase's formality aligns with the situation, avoiding overuse in very informal settings. The alternative, "can we ask", is a more direct and informal approach. Best practice involves ensuring contextual appropriateness and maintaining politeness. Potential errors include using the phrase in overly casual environments.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

would it be possible to ask

This alternative introduces a sense of possibility and politeness.

is it alright if we ask

This checks for permission to ask, focusing on the listener's comfort.

may we inquire

This alternative provides a more formal and polite way to ask a question.

do you mind if we ask

This directly asks if the listener objects to a question.

is it okay to ask

This is an informal and direct request for permission to ask something.

might we request

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the act of requesting.

are we allowed to ask

This emphasizes permission and rules.

can we inquire

This is a direct, less formal way of asking for permission to ask something.

would you permit us to ask

This is a very formal way of seeking permission.

shall we inquire

This alternative is very formal and somewhat archaic, implying a shared decision to ask.

FAQs

How do I use "could we ask" in a sentence?

"Could we ask" is used to politely introduce a question or request. For example, "Could we ask for an extension on the deadline?" or "Could we ask what the next steps are?"

What can I say instead of "could we ask"?

You can use alternatives like "may we inquire", "would it be possible to ask", or "is it okay to ask" depending on the context and level of formality.

Which is correct, "could we ask" or "can we ask"?

Both "could we ask" and "can we ask" are grammatically correct, but "could we ask" is generally considered more polite and formal. "Can we ask" is more direct and informal.

What's the difference between "could we ask" and "might we ask"?

"Could we ask" is a polite way to request permission to ask a question, while "might we ask" is more formal and suggests a degree of hesitancy or deference. "Might we ask" is less common in everyday conversation.