he asks that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'he asks that' is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used when mentioning a request that someone has made. For example, "He asks that we keep the conversation confidential."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Though when Finch learns that Micah uses homing pigeons for his magic act, and to send messages, he asks: "That really works?

The New York Times

He asks that his name not be given.

Independent

He asks that question in many different ways.

The New York Times - Books

Was it entirely coincidence, he asks, that the two filed on exactly the same day?

The New Yorker

"He asks that you respect his family's privacy," the statement continued.

The New York Times

Was it always the case, he asks, that the fireman's job was to start fires?

The New Yorker

For their sake, he asks that his real name not be published.

The Economist

In the meantime he asks that Israeli Jews change their views.

The New Yorker

"Did you know," he asks, "that, biochemically, memory and imagination are the same?" No, I didn't.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

What would they defend and offer uncompromisingly to the world -- he asks -- that liberal secularism alone does not?

Huffington Post

"What about kissing?" he asks, "That can be insertion".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he asks that" to politely convey a request or instruction made by someone, especially in formal writing or when summarizing someone's demands.

Common error

Avoid using "he asked that" when the request is still current or ongoing. "He asks that" implies the request remains in effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he asks that" serves as a reporting clause, indicating a request or instruction made by a third party. It introduces the content of the request, as Ludwig AI confirms, using a subjunctive construction that often implies a degree of formality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he asks that" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to report a request or instruction made by someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, as well as academic and science contexts, it serves to inform others of what is being asked, requested, or instructed. While interchangeable with similar phrases like "he requests that" or "he suggests that", the choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality and strength of the request. When using this phrase, ensure correct tense usage to avoid misrepresenting the ongoing nature of the request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he requests that

This alternative directly replaces "asks" with "requests", indicating a formal request.

he requires that

This alternative suggests a necessity or condition that must be met.

he demands that

This alternative conveys a stronger sense of insistence compared to "asks".

he stipulates that

This alternative is frequently used in legal or contractual contexts to indicate a specific requirement.

he proposes that

This alternative introduces a formal suggestion or plan for consideration.

he suggests that

This alternative softens the tone, implying a recommendation rather than a demand.

he recommends that

Similar to "suggests", but slightly more assertive.

he urges that

This alternative conveys a strong encouragement or plea.

he desires that

This alternative expresses a wish or strong preference.

he entreats that

This alternative is a more formal and emphatic way of asking.

FAQs

How can I use "he asks that" in a sentence?

The phrase "he asks that" is used to report a request or instruction made by someone. For instance, "He asks that everyone arrive on time" indicates a request for punctuality.

What are some alternatives to "he asks that"?

Alternatives include "he requests that", "he suggests that", or "he requires that", depending on the context and the strength of the request.

Is it grammatically correct to say "he asks that"?

Yes, "he asks that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both written and spoken English to express a request or instruction.

What's the difference between "he asks that" and "he is asking that"?

"He asks that" is a simple present tense construction, used for general requests or instructions. "He is asking that" is present continuous and would be used for a request being made at the moment of speaking, though it's less common.