that you ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that you ask" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a question or request made by someone. Example: "I appreciate the thoughtfulness of the question that you ask."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'What's that?' you ask.

The Guardian

What's that, you ask?

MIT Technology Review

Who is that, you ask?

The New York Times

What's so weird about that, you ask?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

What is that, you ask, some kind of girly wine?

The New York Times - Food

What's wrong with that, you ask?

TechCrunch

Why does it need to do that, you ask?

TechCrunch

How's that, you ask?

Huffington Post

"What was that?" you ask.

Los Angeles Times

Why is that, you ask?

Vice

What is that, you ask?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "that you ask" to introduce a question or request when you want to emphasize the person asking the question or the act of asking itself. For example, "Consider carefully the questions that you ask during an interview."

Common error

Avoid substituting "what" for "that" when using this phrase. "What you ask" refers to the content of the question, while "that you ask" refers to the act of asking itself. For example, it is incorrect to say "The problem is what you ask" when you mean "The problem is that you ask too many questions".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that you ask" typically functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or pronoun by providing additional information about it. Ludwig AI states the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its usage in introducing questions or clarifying statements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

23%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that you ask" functions as a relative clause used to elaborate on or emphasize a question or request. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with notable presence also in wiki and scientific domains. While generally neutral in register, its formality can be adjusted through careful synonym selection. When using this phrase, ensure it clarifies the question or request and avoids confusion with similar structures like "what you ask".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the question you ask

Rephrases to emphasize the specific question being posed.

that you inquire

More formal synonym for "ask".

which you question

Focuses on the act of questioning, suitable for more direct contexts.

that you posed

Uses 'posed' to imply a more formal or deliberate question.

which you inquire

Formal alternative, emphasizing the act of seeking information.

which you posed

Formal variation of questioning.

when you question

Changes the structure to a temporal clause, emphasizing timing.

what you request

Shifts focus to the request being made, rather than the act of asking.

the thing you request

Changes the focus to the object of the asking.

something you wondered

Refers to asking to question something that was thought.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that you ask" for a formal tone?

For a more formal tone, you can use phrases like "which you inquire" or "that you inquire". These options add a layer of formality to your writing.

Is "that you ask" always grammatically correct?

Yes, "that you ask" is grammatically correct. However, ensure it fits the context of your sentence. Sometimes, a simpler phrasing might be more effective. For example, consider if "the question you ask" works better.

When should I use "what you ask" instead of "that you ask"?

"What you ask" focuses on the content of the question, while "that you ask" focuses on the act of questioning. For instance, "What you ask is important" refers to the substance of the question, whereas "The problem is that you ask too often" refers to the frequency of questioning.

What are some common synonyms for the verb "ask" in the context of "that you ask"?

In the context of "that you ask", you can use synonyms like "pose", "inquire", or "request" depending on the nuance you want to convey.