favour to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

"favour to ask" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used in formal or polite requests, when asking someone to do something for you. Example: "I have a favour to ask of you - could you please proofread my essay before I submit it?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

So now, commenters, I have a favour to ask.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But Simon works with Giles, who has a favour to ask that will shift the earth from under Lily's feet.

Independent

"I have one big favour to ask of you," he said.

BBC

And Frank Sinatra would have dropped a hell of a lot fewer plates in the sink while he was washing up! "Favour to ask, guys," says Heather, whose name on Facebook is "Mystique Heath" and who runs an art collective in Hackney Wick in between her exceptionally lucrative work for a label.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I have two favours to Ask of you," she begged him: "your New Alphabet of the English Language, and the Petition of the Letter Z". "My new Alphabet is in a printed Book of my Pieces, which I will send you the first Opportunity I have," he answered.

The New Yorker

Plus, when you do someone a favour, don't forget to ask for something in return; a peck on the cheek will do, though with Venus looming large, a big kiss might be in order.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Council voted 28-4 in favour of a motion to ask the "Ontario Minister of Environment to conduct a comprehensive Environmental Assessment for the Enbridge Line 9B Application" and to "forward a copy of the request to the Federal Minister of the Environment".

Vice

"It is very difficult to ask a favour when we have been asking for a favour for some time and never got a positive answer," said Haroun Mir, a Kabul-based analyst.

The Guardian

"I want to ask a favour," Francis told them.

The Guardian

He was a local boy, whose father had worked for a timber company, and lumber interests never had to ask a favour twice.

The Economist

When David Byrne calls you to ask a favour, promising that, "you'll never do anything like this again," it's hard to say no.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "favour to ask", follow it with a clear and concise explanation of what you need. This helps the other person understand the request immediately.

Common error

Avoid using "favour to ask" without specifying what the favour entails. Ambiguity can lead to confusion or reluctance to help.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "favour to ask" functions as an introductory phrase used to preface a request. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It is designed to soften the approach and prepare the listener for the impending request.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "favour to ask" is a grammatically correct and polite way to introduce a request, as validated by Ludwig AI. Although its occurrence is rare, it is mainly found in News & Media contexts. Remember to use it to preface a clear and concise request to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "request to make" and "something I'd like to ask" for similar effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

something I'd like to ask

Softens the request by phrasing it as a desire.

request I have

Highlights possession of the request by the speaker.

a quick favor

Suggests the request is brief and easy to fulfill.

request to make

Focuses on the act of making a request rather than the favor itself.

help I need

Simple and straightforward expression of needing support.

appeal for assistance

Highlights the need for help or support.

assistance I require

Emphasizes the necessity of the help being requested.

thing I need

A more direct way to introduce a requirement.

a small thing to ask

Downplays the magnitude of the request.

matter to discuss

Introduces a topic that requires action from the other person.

FAQs

How do you use "favour to ask" in a sentence?

You can use "favour to ask" to introduce a request, like in the sentence "I have a favour to ask – could you help me move this weekend?"

What's the difference between "favour to ask" and "favor to ask"?

"Favour to ask" is the British English spelling, while "favor to ask" is the American English spelling. They have the same meaning.

What can I say instead of "favour to ask"?

You can use alternatives like "request to make", "something I'd like to ask", or "help I need" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "favour to ask" in formal situations?

Yes, "favour to ask" is generally considered polite and can be used in both formal and informal situations.