do not ask for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not ask for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to instruct someone not to request something. Example: "In this meeting, please do not ask for additional resources unless absolutely necessary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Do not ask for any personal information or details.

WikiHow

I do not ask for a treatment.

The New Yorker

Do not ask for medical advice.

Cornell University

We do not ask for special privileges".

The New York Times

We do not ask for special favors.

The New York Times

Recipes the children do not ask for.

The New York Times

I do not ask for forgiveness.

The Washington Post

Do not ask for two seats on the aisle.

The New York Times

If you do not, ask for the development office.

The New York Times

(The Senate forms do not ask for specific figures).

The New York Times

A big proportion (40 70%) of patients with urinay incontinence (UI) do not ask for medical advice.

Medicina Clínica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In customer service contexts, frame prohibitions positively when possible. For example, instead of saying "Do not ask for a refund after 30 days", try "Refunds are available within 30 days of purchase."

Common error

Relying solely on negative imperatives like "do not ask for" can create a negative tone. Mix with positive instructions or explanations. Instead of multiple "do not" statements, consolidate into a single positive instruction that covers the same ground.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not ask for" functions primarily as an imperative, issuing a command or instruction to refrain from requesting something. It is a direct way to set boundaries or expectations, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not ask for" is a grammatically correct and common way to instruct someone not to request something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable across diverse contexts but is especially prevalent in news media, wikis, and scientific literature. While direct, it's crucial to consider your audience and context, opting for more polite alternatives in formal situations, such as "refrain from asking for" when needed. To avoid negative connotations, balance prohibitions with positive instructions or explanations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

refrain from asking for

More formal and polite, suggesting a deliberate avoidance of asking.

please do not request

A slightly more formal way to phrase the request, emphasizing politeness.

avoid requesting

Highlights the act of preventing a request from being made.

do not solicit

More formal, implying the avoidance of actively seeking something.

is not to be requested

Passive voice construction making the prohibition more impersonal.

do not seek

Emphasizes the act of searching or trying to obtain something.

do not demand

Stronger prohibition, suggesting that demanding is inappropriate.

you shouldn't ask for

Softer, more suggestive alternative indicating a lack of advisability.

it is advised not to ask for

Indirect and polite, framing the prohibition as a recommendation.

it is prohibited to ask for

Formal and strict, emphasizing the forbidden nature of the request.

FAQs

How can I use "do not ask for" in a sentence?

You can use "do not ask for" to instruct someone not to request something. For example, "During the presentation, "do not ask for" additional information unless it's crucial for understanding the topic."

What's a more polite way to say "do not ask for"?

Instead of "do not ask for", you could use phrases like "refrain from asking for" or "please do not request" to soften the instruction and maintain a respectful tone.

Is "do not ask for" grammatically correct?

Yes, "do not ask for" is grammatically correct. It uses the imperative form "do not" followed by the verb "ask" and the preposition "for" to indicate what should not be requested.

When is it appropriate to use "do not ask for"?

"Do not ask for" is appropriate when you need to clearly and directly instruct someone not to make a specific request. However, consider the context and audience to ensure your message is received well. Sometimes rephrasing as a positive instruction can be more effective.