it is asked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is asked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question or request that has been made, often in a formal or passive construction. Example: "In the meeting, it is asked whether the project timeline can be adjusted to accommodate the new requirements."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Is this what I think it is?" asked Whitney Evans, while Stasha joked that hell must have "frozen over".

BBC

Calpers can hope that equity markets will rebound before it is asked to follow its capital commitments.

The New York Times

When it is asked to actually pay for its expenditures, it verges on hysteria.

The New York Times

Avoid giving advice, unless it is asked for.

The New York Times - Health

Kleinfeld says it discloses all information if it is asked.

The New York Times

What the European public makes of quotas seems to depend on the question it is asked.

The New York Times

EU officials say this is realistic so long as the country does what it is asked.

The Economist

It is asked, in part, because Mike Ashley has bent the debate that way.

The Times

It is asked to declare a state apportionment bill invalid, and to enjoin state officials from enforcing it.

Cornell University

estimates as £4bn worth of fees annually just because it is asked nicely to do so.

The Guardian - Money

It is asked to renounce violence while the Israelis are under no obligation to reciprocate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is asked", ensure the context clearly indicates who is asking and what is being asked. This passive construction can sometimes obscure the agent of the action, so clarity is key.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "it is asked", as it can make your writing sound vague and impersonal. Consider rephrasing to use an active voice for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is asked" serves as a passive construction, functioning to introduce a question or request. This grammatical structure allows the speaker or writer to emphasize the action (asking) rather than the actor (who is asking). According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

34%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is asked" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction to introduce questions or requests across various contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig, its primary function is to emphasize the question rather than the asker, making it suitable for formal and neutral settings. It frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the context provides sufficient clarity. While widely accepted, writers should avoid overuse of passive voice to maintain a direct and engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is inquired

A more formal and direct synonym, emphasizing the act of questioning.

the question is raised

Highlights the introduction of a topic or concern, suggesting it is brought up for discussion.

a question is posed

Emphasizes the act of presenting a question, often in a more formal setting.

the query is made

Similar to "an inquiry is made" but can also refer to a database search.

an inquiry is made

Implies a formal investigation or request for information.

the request is submitted

Focuses on the formal act of presenting a request for consideration.

one might ask

Introduces a question hypothetically, often used to explore different angles of the situation.

the point raised involves

Used to indicate the core element of the inquiry or concern.

the subject of the question concerns

Highlights what the question is about, giving it more importance.

attention is drawn to

Less direct, focuses attention on an issue that needs to be addressed.

FAQs

How to use "it is asked" in a sentence?

Use "it is asked" to introduce a question or request, especially in formal contexts. For example: "In the application, "it is asked" that you provide your previous work experience".

What can I say instead of "it is asked"?

You can use alternatives like "it is requested", "it is inquired", or "the question is" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it is asked" or "it is being asked"?

Both can be correct, but they have different meanings. "It is asked" refers to a general or ongoing request. "It is being asked" implies the request is currently in the process of being made.

What's the difference between "it is asked" and "they ask"?

"It is asked" is passive, focusing on the request itself, while "they ask" is active, emphasizing who is making the request. The passive form is often used when the asker is unknown or unimportant.