directly ask for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "directly ask for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to emphasize that someone should make a request in a straightforward manner without any intermediaries or subtlety. Example: "If you need assistance, don't hesitate to directly ask for help from your supervisor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Partway through a meeting, the meeting owner will directly ask for different points of view.

Harvard Business Review

I went to the doctors fairly regularly because of all these problems, but never to directly ask for help with my drinking.

The Guardian

Mr. Gore did not directly ask for money, but aides called back to solicit checks of $5,000 for a Gore political action committee.

The New York Times

Eight winters ago, when I was pregnant with my first son, I did not directly ask for a seat on the subway.

The New York Times

A handful of officials from the administration and the campaign will appear on behalf of Mr. Obama, aides said, but will not directly ask for money.

The New York Times

While he did not directly ask for a resolution authorizing the action or concede that it was necessary, he expressed support for the idea of a legislative endorsement.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

He never directly asked for the nation's patience.

The New York Times

But he never directly asked for it to be killed.

The New York Times

Yet the act of directly asking for money for his own show sometimes makes Mr. Glass squirm.

The New York Times - Arts

When he identified a relevant-looking drug, he'd contact the researchers directly, asking for further information and advice about taking it.

The Guardian

"But students themselves should never email a critic directly asking for a review – it looks like begging and its not professional".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "directly ask for" when you want to bypass intermediaries and get straight to the source.

Common error

Don't beat around the bush. If you need something, make sure you extbf"directly ask for" it instead of hinting or hoping someone will offer it without being asked.

Linguistic Context

The phrase extbf"directly ask for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a straightforward and unambiguous request. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, showing its role in clearly expressing the action of requesting something without intermediaries.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

16%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase extbf"directly ask for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression for making a straightforward request. Ludwig AI confirms this with several real-world examples. While its frequency is considered uncommon, it's suitable for various contexts, from news to scientific writing. Related phrases like "explicitly request" and "specifically ask for" can provide alternative phrasing. Remember to use this phrase when clarity is essential and ambiguity must be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

directly request

A more concise alternative with essentially the same meaning.

explicitly request

Emphasizes clarity and directness in the request, similar to "directly ask for".

straightforwardly request

Highlights the lack of ambiguity in making the request.

specifically ask for

Highlights a targeted request, leaving no room for misinterpretation.

clearly solicit

Focuses on obtaining something through a direct and unambiguous approach.

directly solicit

Focuses on obtaining something through a clear and unambiguous approach.

make a direct appeal

Implies a more formal and earnest request, but maintains the directness.

expressly seek

Indicates a clear and intentional effort to obtain something.

formally request

Adds an element of formality to the request.

immediately request

Adds a sense of urgency.

FAQs

How can I use "directly ask for" in a sentence?

You can use "directly ask for" to indicate a straightforward request. For example, "If you need clarification, extbf"directly ask for" it."

What is a more formal way to say "directly ask for"?

A more formal alternative to "directly ask for" is "explicitly request", which emphasizes clarity and formality.

Is it better to "directly ask for" something or imply what I need?

It's generally better to extbf"directly ask for" what you need to avoid misunderstandings. Implying your needs can lead to confusion and unmet expectations.

What's the difference between "directly ask for" and "specifically ask for"?

"Directly ask for" implies a straightforward approach, while "specifically ask for" indicates a precise and targeted request, focusing on details.