humbly ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "humbly ask" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a polite or respectful request, often in formal or earnest contexts. Example: "I humbly ask for your understanding as we navigate these challenging times."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Huffington Post

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

And I humbly ask forgiveness," he said.

The Guardian

They sing I'm Alone in the Wilderness and humbly ask Jah to reach out to them.

The Guardian - Music

So I would humbly ask you to buy a copy if you can.

The Guardian

In this dedication - in this dedication of a nation, we humbly ask the blessing of God.

The Guardian

I humbly ask you to give us this chance and we will not let you down".

The Guardian - Sport

"I humbly ask Senator Santorum's supporters to visit Newt.org to review my conservative record and join us as we bring these values to Tampa".

The New York Times

"I humbly ask Senator Santorum's supporters to visit Newt.org to review my conservative record and join us as we bring these values to Tampa," the statement said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

The chastened Count humbly asks her pardon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Bianco humbly asked forgiveness from the Italian people.

The New York Times

"I am humbly asking if you could be lenient on me".

The New York Times

In 1073 he humbly asked the new pope, Gregory VII, to settle the Milan problem.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "humbly ask" when you want to convey respect and deference in your request, particularly when addressing someone in a position of authority or when seeking forgiveness.

Common error

Avoid using "humbly ask" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or insincere in contexts that do not warrant such a level of deference.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "humbly ask" functions as a polite request, typically used when addressing someone in a position of authority or when seeking forgiveness. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is appropriate to use when addressing someone respectfully.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Huffington Post

30%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "humbly ask" is a frequently used phrase for making polite and respectful requests, particularly in formal contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable. It's most commonly found in news and media, as well as on platforms like Huffington Post. While it conveys sincerity and deference, it's important to avoid overusing it in informal settings. Alternatives like "politely request" or "respectfully request" can be suitable substitutes, depending on the specific context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modestly request

Similar to "humbly ask", but emphasizes the modesty of the request rather than the requester's humility.

politely request

Replaces "humbly" with "politely", indicating a courteous but not necessarily submissive request.

respectfully request

Emphasizes the respectful nature of the request, maintaining formality.

deferentially ask

Highlights the deference shown to the person being asked, emphasizing respect for their position or authority.

deferentially inquire

Expresses a respectful way of asking.

earnestly plead

Conveys a stronger sense of urgency and sincerity than "humbly ask".

kindly ask

A simpler and more direct way to make a request, suitable for less formal situations.

graciously request

Implies asking for someone's favour or grace in fulfilling the request.

sincerely implore

Similar to "earnestly plead", but with a heightened sense of desperation or importance.

beg you to consider

Expresses a more direct and emotional appeal.

FAQs

How can I use "humbly ask" in a sentence?

You can use "humbly ask" to make a polite and respectful request, such as "I "humbly ask" for your forgiveness" or "I "humbly ask" that you consider my proposal carefully".

What's a less formal alternative to "humbly ask"?

For less formal situations, you could use phrases like "kindly ask", "politely request", or simply "ask" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "humbly ask" and "respectfully request"?

"Humbly ask" emphasizes the speaker's humility in making the request, while "respectfully request" emphasizes the speaker's respect for the person being addressed. Both are formal and polite, but ""humbly ask"" carries a slightly stronger connotation of deference.

Is it appropriate to use "humbly ask" in a business email?

Yes, "humbly ask" can be appropriate in a business email, especially when making a request of someone in a higher position or when seeking leniency or understanding. However, consider the overall tone of the email and ensure that the level of formality aligns with the relationship you have with the recipient.