she asks

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence "she asks" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are writing a sentence that conveys the idea that someone is asking a question. For example, "John was unsure what to do, so she asks him for advice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

she asks.

The New York Times

"How's business?" she asks.

The New Yorker

She asks a question.

The New York Times

She asks about Pres.

The New Yorker

Then she asks again.

The New York Times - Health

"Percent?" she asks.

The New York Times - Books

"What flavor?" she asks.

The New York Times - Magazine

Rather, she asks.

The Economist

"The usual?" she asks.

The New Yorker

Ali McGraw?" she asks.

The New York Times

"I'm like, retirement?" she asks.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary by sometimes substituting "she asks" with more descriptive alternatives like "she inquires", "she questions", or "she wonders" to add nuance and prevent repetition, especially in longer texts.

Common error

Avoid incorrect pronoun case after "she asks". For instance, "She asks who is going" is correct, but "She asks who's going" (using the contraction) can be ambiguous or grammatically incorrect in certain contexts. Ensure clarity by using the full form or rephrasing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she asks" primarily functions as a declarative statement introducing a question posed by a female subject. This is evident in the provided examples from Ludwig, where it precedes a direct question or reported speech.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "she asks" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase to introduce a question posed by a female subject. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its prevalence in news and media contexts. The phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse scenarios. While straightforward, varying vocabulary can enhance writing by incorporating synonyms like "she inquires" or "she questions". Keep an eye on pronoun case after the phrase to avoid common grammatical errors. As confirmed by Ludwig, "she asks" is an effective way to indicate a female character is seeking information or initiating dialogue.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she questions

Replaces "asks" with a more formal verb, implying a deeper or more critical inquiry.

she inquires

A more formal and polite alternative to "asks", often used in professional or academic settings.

she queries

Similar to "questions" but can imply a more official or investigative tone.

she wonders

Indicates internal thought and curiosity rather than a direct question.

she wants to know

A more verbose way of saying "she asks", emphasizing her desire for information.

she puts the question

Highlights the act of posing a specific question, often formally or deliberately.

she asks herself

Specifies that the question is directed internally, reflecting on her own thoughts.

she presses

Implies persistence in asking, suggesting she is not easily satisfied with initial answers.

she demands to know

Conveys a forceful or assertive tone in her inquiry.

she proposes

While it can sometimes be used to ask, it leans more to a proposal or idea for consideration

FAQs

How can I use "she asks" in a sentence?

"She asks" is used to indicate that a female is posing a question. For example, "He explained the situation, and "she asks", "What will we do now?""

What are some alternatives to "she asks"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "she inquires", "she questions", or "she wonders".

Is "she asks" formal or informal?

"She asks" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality often depends more on the surrounding language and the specific question being asked.

What's the difference between "she asks" and "she is asking"?

"She asks" is the simple present tense, used for general statements or habitual actions. "She is asking" is the present continuous tense, used for actions happening right now or around the present time. For example, "Every day, "she asks" about the weather," versus "She is asking about the new policy now."