dare I ask

USAGE SUMMARY

"dare I ask" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to show politeness when you are asking a question or making a request. For example: "Dare I ask why you made that decision?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Dare I ask what's next?

The New York Times

And — dare I ask — should we?

The New York Times

Dare I ask what he said?

The Guardian

"Dare I ask what Odyssey is?" a colleague responded.

The New York Times - Tech

Dare I ask, has he settled down yet?

The Guardian

But dare I ask my father for his dog-eared comics?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

How dare I, they ask.

The New Yorker

"You dared yourself?" I asked.

Huffington Post

Spouting the wisdom of Jewish sages, he lures Bernie into his book-lined den, plies him with scotch and appeals to his visceral sense of Jewish brotherhood ("These times, so crazy, meshuggeneh markets! How is the fund? I dare to ask! Is it healthy?").

The Economist

"Do I dare?" and, "Do I dare?" asked T.S. Eliot.

The New York Times

Q. Do I dare ask which category you put yourself in? A. Serially monogamous, that's what I was.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dare I ask" when you want to express politeness or hesitation before asking a potentially sensitive or intrusive question.

Common error

Avoid using "dare I ask" too frequently, as it can make your writing sound overly cautious or insincere. Use it sparingly for maximum impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dare I ask" functions as a polite interrogative, introducing a question with a degree of hesitation or deference. It sets a tone that acknowledges the question might be intrusive or sensitive. Ludwig confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Academia

9%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dare I ask" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a question politely, often indicating hesitation or awareness of potential intrusiveness. As validated by Ludwig, it's frequently used in news and media contexts, lending a neutral to slightly formal tone. When writing, use it to soften potentially sensitive inquiries, but be mindful of overuse to avoid sounding insincere. Alternatives like "may I ask" or "might I inquire" offer varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

may I ask

More direct and polite way to introduce a question.

might I inquire

A more formal and polite way of asking a question.

could I possibly ask

Emphasizes the speaker's hesitation or uncertainty.

would you mind if I asked

Focuses on the potential inconvenience to the listener.

I hesitate to ask

Highlights the speaker's reluctance to ask the question.

is it alright if I ask

Seeks permission to ask the question.

I was wondering if I could ask

Introduces a question more gently and indirectly.

if I may be so bold as to ask

Emphasizes the speaker's awareness of potential impoliteness.

perhaps I should not ask but

Highlights the sensitive nature of a question.

though I'm almost afraid to ask

Expresses fear or apprehension about the answer.

FAQs

How can I use "dare I ask" in a sentence?

"Dare I ask" is typically used to introduce a question, implying politeness or hesitation. For example, "Dare I ask what your plans are for the future?"

What's the difference between "dare I ask" and "may I ask"?

While both phrases introduce a question politely, "dare I ask" often suggests more hesitation or awareness of potential intrusiveness than "may I ask".

What are some alternatives to using "dare I ask"?

You can use alternatives such as "may I ask", "might I inquire", or "could I possibly ask" depending on the level of formality and hesitation you want to convey.

Is it ever inappropriate to use "dare I ask"?

Using "dare I ask" might be inappropriate in situations where directness is valued, or when asking very simple, non-sensitive questions. It's best suited for situations where you want to show consideration for the other person's feelings or privacy.