he asked for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he asked for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone made a request for something. Example: "During the meeting, he asked for additional resources to complete the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He asked for understanding.

The New York Times

He asked for more.

The New York Times

He asked for patience.

The New York Times

He asked for quiet.

The New York Times - Sports

He asked for him".

The New Yorker

"He asked for our vote.

The New York Times

He asked for a lawyer.

The New York Times

He asked for thirteen episodes.

The New Yorker

Then he asked for work.

Independent

"He asked for our endorsement".

The New York Times

He asked for ten dollars.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he asked for", ensure the context clearly indicates what was requested to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of saying "He asked for it", specify "He asked for the report".

Common error

Avoid using the passive voice unnecessarily when using "he asked for". For example, instead of saying "It was asked for by him", use the active voice: "He asked for it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he asked for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a request or solicitation. Ludwig examples show its use in reporting requests for various things, from simple items like a pencil to complex concepts like understanding.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he asked for" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to indicate a request. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is versatile and appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While "he asked for" has a neutral tone, the exact meaning and implications can subtly shift with use of alternatives like "he requested" or "he demanded", each carrying nuances of formality or assertiveness. To ensure clarity, specify the object of the request whenever possible. Avoiding passive voice and using active constructions enhances directness. Remember that Ludwig's analysis confirms the phrase's widespread acceptance and utility in diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he requested

A more formal and direct synonym for "he asked for".

he inquired about

Implies a more investigative or information-seeking request.

he put in a request for

Emphasizes the act of submitting a formal request.

he demanded

Signifies a forceful and assertive request.

he appealed for

Suggests a plea or urgent request for assistance.

he sought

Implies a deliberate and determined search or request.

he bid for

Often used in competitive situations, suggesting an attempt to win something.

he applied for

Indicates a formal application process.

he fished for

Suggests subtly trying to obtain something, often praise or compliments.

he was looking for

Indicates he was in search of something without explicitly requesting it.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "he asked for"?

You can use alternatives such as "he requested", "he inquired about", or "he put in a request for" depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is "he asked for" formal or informal?

"He asked for" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in most contexts. More formal alternatives include "he requested".

How do I use "he asked for" in a sentence?

Use "he asked for" to indicate that someone made a request. For example: "He asked for a meeting with the manager" or "He asked for additional information about the project".

What's the difference between "he asked for" and "he demanded"?

"He asked for" implies a simple request, while "he demanded" suggests a forceful and assertive request, often implying a sense of entitlement or urgency.