simply asking

USAGE SUMMARY

"simply asking" is correct and can be used in written English.
It could be used when you are inquiring about something but making it sound like it is an easy or innocent request. For example, "I'm simply asking if you can come to the party on Saturday".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He was simply asking — demanding?

The New Yorker

Sometimes simply asking pays off.

The New York Times

Simply asking people has obvious shortcomings.

The Economist

"We're simply asking them to do the impossible".

The New York Times

Travellers are simply asking for the right to exist legally.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are simply asking for a proportionate response.

The Guardian - Opinion

They were simply asking to be snapped off".

The New York Times - Books

There is very little simply asking people how they feel.

The Guardian - Tech

"We're simply asking for it back," he said.

The New York Times

She is simply asking for the right to decide her own life, and her own death.

Independent

In the end, he was simply asking his body to do too much.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "simply asking" to soften a potentially demanding or intrusive question, making it sound more approachable.

Common error

Avoid using "simply asking" excessively in formal or professional settings, as it can sometimes be perceived as dismissive or condescending. Opt for more direct and respectful phrasing when addressing superiors or presenting critical inquiries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "simply asking" functions as a hedge, softening the act of questioning or requesting something. This is consistent with the Ludwig AI analysis which points out that it can be used to make an inquiry sound like it's an easy or innocent request.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

25%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "simply asking" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase used to soften inquiries and requests. As Ludwig AI confirms, it presents questions as straightforward and non-imposing. With a "Very common" frequency, it appears most often in News & Media and Science contexts. While generally neutral, be cautious about overuse in overly formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "just inquiring" or "merely requesting" to refine the nuance. Remember, the phrase functions as a hedge, diminishing any potential imposition of the query.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just inquiring

Emphasizes the act of seeking information without any complex motives.

merely requesting

Highlights the basic nature of the request, minimizing any sense of demand.

only questioning

Focuses on the act of posing a question without further implications.

directly asking

Stresses the straightforward manner of the request.

plainly inquiring

Indicates a clear and unambiguous question.

bluntly asking

Implies a direct, perhaps even abrupt, manner of questioning.

naively asking

Suggests a lack of awareness or sophistication in the inquiry.

artlessly asking

Indicates that the asking is performed without deception, guile, or craftiness.

unassumingly asking

Highlights the lack of arrogance or pretension in the request.

innocently asking

Suggests a lack of malicious intent or hidden agenda in the inquiry.

FAQs

How can I use "simply asking" in a sentence?

You can use "simply asking" to introduce a request or question that you want to portray as straightforward and non-demanding. For example, "I'm "simply asking" for clarification on the deadline."

What are some alternatives to "simply asking"?

Alternatives include phrases like "just inquiring", "merely requesting", or "only questioning", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "simply asking"?

"Simply asking" is appropriate when you want to downplay the potential imposition of your question or request. It's useful in informal settings or when seeking minor clarifications.

What's the difference between "simply asking" and directly asking?

"Simply asking" implies a degree of casualness or lack of pressure, while "directly asking" suggests a more straightforward and potentially assertive approach. The choice depends on the social context and your communication goals.