have asked for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have asked for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a request that has been made in the past and is still relevant or ongoing. Example: "I have asked for clarification on the project details several times, but I have not received a response."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Independent

The New York Times

BBC

The Guardian

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

I could have asked for no more".

Independent

They could have asked for reinforcements.

The New York Times - Sports

I would never have asked for that.

The New York Times

You couldn't have asked for more.

The New York Times

He should have asked for our consent.

Independent

The family have asked for privacy".

Independent

"None have asked for directors".

The New York Times

You have asked for peace.

The Guardian

"I couldn't have asked for anything more".

The New Yorker

The Taliban have asked for more talks.

The New York Times

We have asked for that apology.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of the request. "Have asked for" is generally neutral, but synonyms like "requested" or "solicited" may be more appropriate in formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "have asked for" when the request is ongoing and requires immediate attention. Use present continuous forms like "are asking for" or "are requesting" to indicate urgency or current action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have asked for" functions as a present perfect verb phrase. Ludwig AI shows it is used to describe a past action (asking) that has a present consequence or relevance. Examples include requesting information, assistance, or specific items.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Independent

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "have asked for" is a versatile and frequently used present perfect verb phrase used to indicate that a request has been made at some point in the past and that this request continues to be relevant in the present. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and is found in various contexts, including news media, formal business communications, and general conversations. When using this phrase, clarity and formality are important considerations to effectively convey the intended message. Related phrases include "requested", "sought", and "inquired about", which can be substituted depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

requested

Direct synonym, implying a formal or polite way of asking for something.

sought

Implies a more formal or earnest attempt to obtain something.

inquired about

Suggests a questioning or investigation to gain information or something else.

put in a request for

Emphasizes the act of formally submitting a request.

applied for

Specifically refers to making an application for something, like a job or permit.

petitioned for

Implies a formal and often public request, usually to an authority.

solicited

Suggests actively seeking something, often support or contributions.

called for

Indicates a public demand or appeal for something.

expressed a need for

Highlights the communication of a requirement or deficiency.

registered interest in

Shows a formal indication of wanting something in the future.

FAQs

How to use "have asked for" in a sentence?

Use "have asked for" to describe a past request that is still relevant or has ongoing implications. For example: "We "have asked for" additional resources to complete the project on time".

What can I say instead of "have asked for"?

You can use alternatives like "requested", "sought", or "inquired about" depending on the context and formality of the request.

Which is correct, "have asked for" or "had asked for"?

"Have asked for" indicates a request made in the past with present relevance, while "had asked for" refers to a request made before another past event. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the sequence of events.

What's the difference between "have asked for" and "are asking for"?

"Have asked for" indicates a completed action of requesting, whereas "are asking for" indicates an ongoing request or a request being made at the present moment. The choice depends on whether the request is still in progress.