not too much to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

"not much to ask" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is often used to express a reasonable or modest request or expectation. Example: "Please clean up after yourself, it's not too much to ask."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's not too much to ask.

The New York Times

"That's not too much to ask for".

The New York Times - Sports

It is not too much to ask.

The New York Times

That's not too much to ask, right?

The Guardian - Tech

It's not too much to ask to be seen.

The Guardian - Opinion

Fluency: that's not too much to ask, right?

The Guardian

That's not too much to ask, is it?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It is not too much to ask our children to learn a few new letterforms.

The New York Times

It is not too much to ask!" I wonder why "cartoonish" remains such a pejorative.

The New Yorker

It is not too much to ask that what they learn be right.

The Washington Post

It's not too much to ask that Americans help less-developed countries avoid the same error.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not too much to ask", ensure that the context clearly establishes the request or expectation to which you are referring. This avoids ambiguity and ensures your audience understands the reasonableness of your request.

Common error

Avoid using "not too much to ask" when the request is actually quite demanding or requires significant effort. Ensure the request genuinely aligns with the implied modest nature of the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not too much to ask" functions as an idiomatic expression used to soften a request or expectation, implying it is reasonable and easily fulfilled. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not too much to ask" is a versatile phrase used to convey that a request or expectation is reasonable and modest. Ludwig AI confirms this, as it is commonly found in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. While it is generally acceptable across different registers, it's crucial to consider the specific context to determine if a more formal alternative might be appropriate. When employed effectively, the phrase enhances the persuasiveness and justification of the request, ensuring clarity and understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not too much to expect

Replaces "ask" with "expect", changing the framing slightly while retaining the core meaning.

a reasonable request

Focuses on the request being fair and justifiable.

a modest expectation

Highlights the humility and lack of excess in the expectation.

not an unreasonable demand

Indicates that the demand is fair and within acceptable limits.

a fair thing to expect

Highlights the impartiality and justice of the expectation.

easily justifiable

Emphasizes the defensibility and rightness of the request.

within reason

Implies that the request or expectation aligns with logical boundaries.

a small thing to request

Underscores the insignificance or simplicity of the request.

perfectly acceptable

Expresses that the request aligns with commonly agreed standards.

a simple matter

Conveys that the request is straightforward and not complicated.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "not too much to ask" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, you can use alternatives like "a reasonable request", "a modest expectation", or "not an unreasonable demand".

What does it mean when someone says "not too much to ask"?

When someone says "not too much to ask", it means that they believe the request or expectation is fair, reasonable, and shouldn't be difficult to fulfill. It implies a sense of modesty and justification.

Is "not too much to ask" appropriate for professional communication?

Yes, "not too much to ask" is generally acceptable in professional communication, especially when making requests. However, ensure the context and tone are appropriate, and consider using more formal alternatives if necessary, such as "easily justifiable".

What's the difference between "not too much to ask" and "not too much to expect"?

While similar, "not too much to ask" focuses on the act of making a request, while "not too much to expect" emphasizes the reasonableness of an anticipated outcome. The former is about what you're requesting, the latter about what you anticipate receiving.