is simply asked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is simply asked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that a question or request is made in a straightforward or uncomplicated manner. Example: "In the interview, the candidate is simply asked about their previous work experience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

These puzzles are the most haunting in the game, but for the most part the player is simply asked to manipulate floating letters or video clips.

The New York Times - Tech

The market is simply asked to trust the ratings agency - the agency, that is, that was paid by handsomely by the bank to come up with a rating, possibly after others had rated the product poorly.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

What I should have done is simply ask "Is this a consumer or business product?" and not assume the former.

TechCrunch

She is simply asking for the right to decide her own life, and her own death.

Independent

A. Part of it is simply asking them about what motivates them.

The New York Times

"Holding hostage" is simply asking WTO members to live up to the commitments they undertook when launching the Doha round.

The Economist

It is simply asking for fair treatment and a level playing field between competing digital music services.

The Guardian - Business

OkCupid is simply asking ad-blocking users to support the site on their own terms.

TechCrunch

One method of measurement is simply asking a respondent about his or her identity with the majority group and the respondent's ethnic group.

IZA Journal of Migration

One of the most straightforward routes is simply asking a complainant's Facebook friend for dirt.

Vice

Courage: Sometimes it means being battle ready, sometimes courage is simply asking for help and support.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is simply asked", ensure the context clearly indicates the straightforward nature of the request or question. This emphasizes clarity and ease of understanding for the audience.

Common error

Avoid using "is simply asked" when the situation involves complex procedures or hidden implications. This can mislead the audience and undermine the message's credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is simply asked" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that someone is the recipient of a straightforward request. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English, highlighting its communicative utility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

10%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is simply asked" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to indicate a straightforward request or inquiry. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and usability. It's important to use this phrase in contexts where the requested action is genuinely simple to avoid misleading the audience. While versatile, its usage ranges from neutral news reports to scientific explanations, but overusing it in formal contexts can diminish formality. Related phrases such as "is merely requested" or "is just asked" provide alternatives, depending on the desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is merely requested

Replaces "simply" with "merely", emphasizing the basic or minimal nature of the request.

is just asked

Substitutes "simply" with "just", conveying a sense of ease and lack of complication in the asking.

is only asked

Uses "only" instead of "simply" to highlight the exclusivity of the request, suggesting nothing else is required.

is plainly requested

Emphasizes the clarity and straightforwardness of the request, replacing "simply" with "plainly".

is straightforwardly requested

Replaces "simply" with the adverb "straightforwardly", highlighting the directness of the request.

is directly asked

Focuses on the directness of the question or request, replacing "simply" with "directly".

is unassumingly asked

Indicates that the request is made without arrogance or presumption, adding a nuance of humility.

is humbly requested

Conveys a sense of politeness and respect in making the request.

is innocently asked

Suggests that the question or request is posed without malicious intent or ulterior motives.

is casually asked

Implies the question or request is made in an informal and relaxed manner.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "is simply asked" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "is merely requested" or "is formally requested", which convey a similar meaning with increased professional distance.

What are some alternatives to "is simply asked" for informal contexts?

In informal settings, you can use phrases like "is just asked" or "is only asked" to maintain a casual tone.

How does "is simply asked" differ from "is required"?

"Is simply asked" implies a request that is easy to fulfill, while "is required" suggests a mandatory action. The former focuses on ease, and the latter focuses on necessity.

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "is simply asked"?

It's best to avoid "is simply asked" when the request involves a difficult or complex action. For example, saying "the witness is simply asked to recall the events" may be misleading if the events were traumatic or unclear.