readily asking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "readily asking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is easily or willingly asking questions or for information. Example: "She was readily asking for clarification on the project requirements during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Cities

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Over the past twenty years or so, cities have been including literature and writers on architectural and urban projects, by more readily asking them to participate in the urban policy creation process.

Cities

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The minders will readily ask a cameraman to delete a certain picture they don't like, but will [also] quite happily provide TV crews with a shot sure to make them look bad – [such as] the hand going over the camera lens," he says.

The Guardian

The scale of donations represented a change from past practice in local Phoenix politics; some council figures opposed the trend, while others readily asked for the funds.

Wikipedia

"It falls among that increasingly rare breed of popular entertainments capable of prompting genuine 'How did they do that?' reactions from even the most jaded viewers, even as its central premise is so simple and immediately gripping that one might just as readily ask, 'Why didn't anyone do it sooner?'".

Huffington Post

Like a proud parent with a new child, he has shot a video and photos of their acquisition and will show them off readily if asked.

The New York Times

She thanked her mother's well-wishers, addressed the men as "Sir," attributing it to her Southern upbringing, signed autographs and posed readily for pictures, asking simply, "Where would you like me to stand?" The only exception was the news media.

The New York Times

The actual VWP at farm level may not be readily available without asking the herdsman, which is not practically possible when using the indicator on a national level.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

Lowlight In a cutaway, being seen ticking things off on his pad with his pen; and sneering a little too readily when being asked about millionaires.

The Guardian

He said he readily complied when asked to drop several pounds, but when asked if too much was being made of his weight loss, Dayne said he expected to have a good season anyway, and even mentioned rushing for more than 1,000 yards.

The New York Times - Sports

This information is readily available, just ask any South African with common sense.

Huffington Post

Given that the expression levels of redox enzymes are readily altered, we asked whether targeted perturbation of specific redox couples would result in global remodeling of the redox enzyme network.

BMC Systems Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "readily asking", ensure that the context supports the idea of ease and willingness. The phrase works best when describing someone who is approachable and forthcoming with questions.

Common error

Avoid using "readily asking" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise language might be expected. Opt for terms like "actively soliciting" or "formally requesting" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "readily asking" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes the act of asking with ease and willingness. As Ludwig indicates, it's a grammatically sound construction.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

25%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Cities

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "readily asking" is a grammatically sound gerund phrase that emphasizes the ease and willingness with which someone asks questions or makes requests. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable. While not overly common, it finds applications across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. To enhance clarity in more formal settings, alternatives such as "actively soliciting" or "formally requesting" may be more appropriate. Its opposite meaning is "hesitantly asking", in order to show uncertainty and reluctance. By being mindful of the context and register, writers can effectively use "readily asking" to convey a cooperative and approachable tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

willingly inquiring

Highlights the voluntary nature of asking questions, suggesting a cooperative attitude.

comfortably asking

Highlights the ease and lack of discomfort associated with asking questions, implying confidence and familiarity.

eagerly requesting

Emphasizes enthusiasm and a strong desire when making a request, differing from a simple willingness.

unhesitatingly requesting

Emphasizes the absence of doubt or reluctance in making a request, indicating confidence.

easily asking

Focuses on the lack of difficulty or hesitation in asking, indicating a straightforward approach.

happily asking

Emphasizes the positive and cheerful attitude when asking, conveying enthusiasm and pleasure.

freely requesting

Suggests a lack of constraint or inhibition in making a request, implying openness.

immediately inquiring

Focuses on the lack of delay in asking questions, implying urgency or a need for quick information.

promptly inquiring

Stresses the speed and immediacy with which questions are asked, conveying efficiency.

quickly asking

Highlights the rapidity of asking questions, focusing on the speed of the inquiry.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "readily asking" to sound more formal?

For more formal alternatives, consider using phrases such as "actively soliciting", "formally requesting", or "eagerly requesting" depending on the context.

In what situations is "readily asking" most appropriate?

"Readily asking" is best used in contexts where you want to emphasize someone's willingness and ease in asking questions or making requests, often implying a cooperative or approachable attitude.

What's the difference between "readily asking" and "hesitantly asking"?

"Readily asking" implies ease and willingness, while "hesitantly asking" suggests reluctance or uncertainty in making a request or inquiry. They are essentially opposites in meaning.

Is "readily asking" considered grammatically correct?

Yes, "readily asking" is grammatically correct and can be used as a gerund phrase. Ludwig confirms its correctness based on its analysis of examples from reliable sources.