on his asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on his asking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was done or said as a result of someone's request or inquiry. Example: "On his asking, I agreed to help him with the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Bartelstein would not comment on his asking price, saying, "So many people are throwing so much stuff out there, it's not something I would ever talk about publicly".

The New York Times - Sports

Edward Burke, another Peekskill developer, has held steady on his asking price, $1,600 a month, for a 1,400-square-foot 1,400-square-foot 1,400-square-footn the artists' district, despite the fact that the unit is taking awhilofto rent.

The New York Times

According to the Vancouver Sun, Canucks' GM Mike Gillis "refused to yield on his asking price".

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

There are more topless shots than many of his peers and he's not shy about mentioning his sexual activity on his ask.fm page.

Vice

"I don't think the ruling was appropriate," Christie said Thursday on his "Ask the Governor" radio show, according to Politico.

Huffington Post

From then on, his mother asked him to repeat the maneuver.

The New York Times

Asked about the idea on his Ask Boris show on LBC Radio, the mayor said: "At the moment, I'm reflecting on it.

The Guardian

"Hey, man, what's going on?" his fellow officer asks.

Vice

The farm worker was on his heels, asking whether he could get the land instead.

The Economist

Over the last few days, people wrote on his wall asking why his phone was not working.

The New York Times

Later, other boys tested Jeffrey on his English, asking him in Spanish to translate various body parts.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

While "on his asking" is grammatically sound, consider using more common alternatives like "at his request" or "following his inquiry" for clarity and broader acceptance in contemporary writing.

Common error

Avoid using "on his asking" in informal contexts. It may sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversations or less formal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "because he asked".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on his asking" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or clause by indicating the reason or condition for an action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on his asking" is grammatically correct but relatively uncommon. Ludwig AI and available examples confirm its validity, although alternative phrases like "at his request" are more frequently used in contemporary English. This phrase functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating causality or condition. While primarily found in news and media contexts, its formality suggests considering simpler alternatives for broader clarity and acceptance. In general, you can use alternatives like "at his request", "upon his inquiry", or "because he asked".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at his request

This alternative uses a more common and direct phrase to convey the same meaning.

upon his request

This is a slightly more formal variation of 'at his request'.

as he requested

This is a more descriptive way of saying something was done according to his wishes.

per his instructions

This emphasizes that an action was carried out following specific directives.

at his invitation

This implies a more proactive request, suggesting a welcoming or encouraging element.

following his inquiry

This is more formal and emphasizes the process of seeking information.

in response to his question

This is a very direct way to indicate that an action or statement is a direct answer to his query.

due to his solicitation

This implies that something happened because he actively sought it.

because he asked

This is a simple and informal way of expressing the reason for an action.

at his bidding

This suggests a more submissive or obedient tone.

FAQs

What does "on his asking" mean?

The phrase "on his asking" means something was done or said as a result of someone's request or inquiry. It's similar to saying "at his request".

What can I say instead of "on his asking"?

You can use alternatives like "at his request", "upon his inquiry", or "because he asked" depending on the context.

Is "on his asking" formal or informal?

"On his asking" leans towards being more formal. In informal settings, it's better to use simpler phrases like "because he asked".

How do I use "on his asking" in a sentence?

Example: "On his asking, I agreed to help him with the project." A more common phrasing would be: "At his request, I agreed to help him with the project".