exactly ask for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exactly ask for" is not standard in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used when you want to emphasize the precision of a request, but it is better to rephrase for clarity. Example: "Please exactly ask for what you need to avoid any confusion."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Cooper didn't exactly ask for that attention; but that experience, and the eye-opening spectacle in the streets, clearly altered him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He doesn't exactly ask me for advice," Mr. de Montebello said.

The New York Times - Arts

The new year begins right where the last ended, with OB/GYN Mindy Lahiri's colleague and baby-daddy-to-be Danny Castellano Chris Messinaa) in India, standing at the door of her parents (Ajay Mehta, Sakina Jaffrey, great), not exactly to ask for her hand.

Los Angeles Times

Mullen said that although General Stanley McChrystal hadn't exactly asked him for more soldiers yet, a properly resourced counterinsurgency probably means more forces, and, without question, more time and more commitment to the protection of the Afghan people and to the development of good governance.

The New Yorker

Sometimes, though, patients should get exactly what they ask for in a therapist.

The New York Times - Health

In January, when the elite marathoner Kara Goucher found out she was pregnant, she knew exactly whom to ask for advice.

The New York Times - Sports

The customization and service provided by Shoes Of Prey does not come cheap — a pair typically costs in the several hundreds of dollars — but you get exactly what you ask for, and for many people that is well worth it.

TechCrunch

We needed some directions, but how exactly do you ask for directions to Pol Pot's grave?

Huffington Post

Now that you know exactly what to ask for when visiting your doctor, you are ready for your exam.

Huffington Post

2. Avoid The "Pushy" Trap It turns out that it really matters exactly how women ask for what they want.

Huffington Post

They give you exactly what you ask for, and they give you toiletries as well which is great.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When seeking a specific outcome, detail your requirements meticulously. Vague requests often yield unsatisfactory results. If you need something done with particular guidelines, consider use alternatives like "specifically request".

Common error

Avoid using "exactly ask for" when a general request suffices. Over-emphasizing precision can sound demanding or imply distrust. To avoid such implications, consider using more neutral phrases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exactly ask for" functions as a verbal phrase used to emphasize the precision or detail required in a request. Ludwig AI suggests that the phrase is not standard in written English and may sound awkward. Examples from Ludwig show it used in contexts where specific instructions are important.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exactly ask for" is used to emphasize the need for precision in a request. However, Ludwig AI indicates it is not standard English and can sound awkward. While grammatically acceptable, it's better to use alternatives like "specifically request" or "precisely request" for improved clarity and naturalness. Analysis of its usage reveals primary contexts in News & Media, Wiki, and Science, with a neutral register. When crafting requests, ensure they are clear and detailed without sounding overly demanding. Remember that while precision is valuable, natural language enhances communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

specifically request

Emphasizes the need for a precise and detailed request.

precisely request

Highlights the accuracy and exactness required in the request.

ask specifically for

Changes the word order while retaining the emphasis on detail.

request explicitly

Focuses on making the request clear and unambiguous.

ask in detail for

Emphasizes the level of detail required in the request.

clearly request

Highlights the importance of a lucid and easily understood request.

state your needs precisely

Shifts the focus to stating needs with accuracy.

indicate your requirements clearly

Emphasizes the act of indicating requirements in an easily understood manner.

define your request accurately

Highlights the importance of defining the request with precision.

formally request

Adds a layer of formality to the request.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "exactly ask for" to sound more natural?

Consider using alternatives like "specifically request", "precisely request", or "clearly request" depending on the context to improve clarity and flow.

When is it appropriate to use "exactly ask for"?

While not standard, "exactly ask for" may be used when emphasizing the need for a highly specific and detailed request, though clearer alternatives are often preferable.

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

"Exactly ask for" aims to highlight precision in the request, but is not standard English. "Specifically request" achieves the same emphasis with better grammatical correctness.

Is "exactly ask for" grammatically incorrect?

While not strictly incorrect, "exactly ask for" is unusual and may sound awkward. It's better to opt for clearer and more common alternatives such as "precisely request" or "specifically ask for".