desperately asking for

USAGE SUMMARY

"desperately asking for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a situation in which someone is in desperate need of help or assistance. For example: She was desperately asking for someone to help her with her medical expenses.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Every so often, when a signal is available, the phone rings – Jacobs's mother "desperately asking for me.

The Guardian - Books

Traders yelling into phones desperately asking for bids, salesmen yelling into phones, desperately searching for a client who hadn't gone under.

The Guardian - Money

This architectural masterpiece will become the hopeful place that people are so desperately asking for, a place worthy of being a pilgrimage site.

The New York Times

"We are desperately asking for your help," Detroit's police chief said.

Huffington Post

UNRWA said its supplies could run out Sunday, and the agency is desperately asking for funding to support its relief efforts.

Huffington Post

In retrospect, I honestly hope the guy was having a wank, because otherwise I just pissed all over an old man while he was desperately asking for help, then kicked him in the head and ran away.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

When Isis did surge in, Baghdad called and desperately asked for assistance.

The Guardian

Several residents could be heard desperately asking police for access to the building so they could get their wallets or identification.

Los Angeles Times

Gridlock and the status quo reigns in Congress, even when the American public is desperately asking its leaders for solutions.

Huffington Post

After spending a week roaming the streets, desperately asking people to host me for the night, waking up before everybody else to leave so that they don't see me, coming back at midnight after all went to bed so I won't disturb them, I now understood how it feels like.

Huffington Post

He desperately asks Salaam for help, admitting he fabricated Omar Sadiki's terrorist cell and the attack.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the situation. This phrase is suitable for conveying serious situations where assistance is critically needed.

Common error

Avoid using "desperately asking for" in situations that do not warrant such intense language. Overusing it can dilute its impact and make your writing sound melodramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desperately asking for" functions as a verb phrase that emphasizes the intensity and urgency of a request. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It is typically used to describe someone in urgent need of help or assistance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Wiki

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desperately asking for" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to emphasize the urgency and emotional intensity of a request. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "urgently requesting" or "earnestly pleading for" exist, they may not always capture the same level of desperation. When using this phrase, consider the audience and context to ensure the intensity matches the situation, avoiding overuse in non-critical scenarios. Remember to maintain clarity and accuracy in your writing for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urgently requesting

Focuses on the urgency of the request, omitting the desperation aspect.

earnestly pleading for

Emphasizes the sincerity and emotional appeal of the request.

frantically seeking

Highlights the agitated and hurried nature of the search or request.

gravely in need of

Stresses the seriousness and critical nature of the need.

imploring for assistance

Formal and emphasizes the act of begging for help.

beseeching for aid

A more archaic and formal way of saying pleading for help.

crying out for

Emphasizes the audible expression of a desperate need.

urgently soliciting

Highlights the act of asking or seeking something, typically in a formal context.

badly in want of

Highlights a strong desire or need but is less intense than desperation.

acutely requiring

Emphasizes the intensity and immediacy of the requirement.

FAQs

How can I use "desperately asking for" in a sentence?

You can use "desperately asking for" to describe situations where someone is in urgent need of something. For instance, "The refugees were desperately asking for food and shelter."

What are some alternatives to "desperately asking for"?

You can use alternatives like "urgently requesting", "earnestly pleading for", or "frantically seeking" depending on the context.

Is "desperately asking for" too strong of a phrase to use in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, the intensity of "desperately asking for" might be inappropriate for some formal contexts. Consider the tone and audience when deciding if it's the right fit. Alternatives like "urgently requesting" might be more suitable.

What's the difference between "desperately asking for" and "asking for"?

"Asking for" is a general request, while "desperately asking for" implies a heightened sense of urgency, need, and possibly emotional distress. The addition of "desperately" significantly amplifies the intensity of the request.