has to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has to ask" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is required or obligated to inquire about something. Example: "If you want to know the details, she has to ask the manager for permission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One has to ask... "Ha!

Independent

No one has to ask.

The New York Times

"He has to ask some specific questions.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, one has to ask again.

The New York Times

But first the UK has to ask.

The Guardian

One has to ask if there's a correlation here.

The New York Times

One still has to ask where the cinematic romance is.

The New Yorker

"I think one has to ask, who are these Iranians?

Independent

One has to ask: Is Dostoevsky really the best choice?

The New York Times

But one has to ask: who are the tears for?

The New Yorker

One has to ask, whom is he trying to protect?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has to ask" to clearly indicate a requirement or obligation to seek information. For emphasis, consider rephrasing to specify who imposes the requirement.

Common error

While grammatically sound, avoid overuse of "has to ask" in casual conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "needs to know" or "should ask" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has to ask" functions as a modal verb phrase, indicating necessity or obligation. It shows that someone is required or compelled to make an inquiry. This is reflected in the examples provided by Ludwig, where the phrase appears in various contexts demonstrating this need for questioning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has to ask" is a grammatically correct and frequently used modal verb phrase that expresses the necessity of seeking information. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely employed across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While versatile, it's best to avoid overuse in overly informal settings. Consider related phrases like "needs to inquire" or "should seek clarification" for nuanced expression. When in doubt, remember that clear communication is key.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

needs to inquire

Emphasizes the necessity of making an inquiry.

has a responsibility to question

Highlights the accountability and importance of asking questions.

is required to question

Highlights a formal requirement or obligation to ask.

is expected to inquire

Indicates an expectation for someone to ask questions.

is obliged to inquire

Indicates a strong sense of duty or obligation to ask.

is bound to question

Suggests that questioning is inevitable or naturally follows from a situation.

must interrogate

Implies a more formal or forceful need to ask questions, often in an investigative context.

is compelled to ask

Highlights an internal or external force driving the need to ask.

is duty-bound to ask

Emphasizes the moral or professional obligation to inquire.

should seek clarification

Suggests seeking a clearer understanding through questioning.

FAQs

How can I use "has to ask" in a sentence?

Use "has to ask" to express the necessity of seeking information. For example, "If he wants to participate, he "has to ask" for permission."

What are some alternatives to "has to ask"?

Alternatives include "needs to inquire", "is required to question", or "should seek clarification" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "has to ask" and "needs to ask"?

While similar, "has to ask" often implies an external obligation, whereas "needs to ask" can suggest a personal requirement or desire for information. Use "He "has to ask" his supervisor" versus "He "needs to ask" for directions".

When is it best to use "has to ask" instead of "must ask"?

"Has to ask" is generally more common and versatile. "Must ask" can sound more formal or emphatic. "He "has to ask" for a refund" is more conversational than "He must ask for a refund".