they are asking for

USAGE SUMMARY

"they are asking for" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or a group of people are requesting or demanding something. Example: "The protesters are demanding changes in the government's policies, they are asking for better representation and transparency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Now they are asking for them.

The New York Times

They are asking for money.

The New York Times

They are asking for their rights.

The Guardian

They are asking for donations to support further efforts here.

Independent

Now they are asking for cellphones with cameras attached".

The New York Times

It's time to give parents what they are asking for.

The Guardian

"They are asking for permission to bring us inside".

The New York Times

The payment that they are asking for is well above what I currently bring home.

The New York Times

They are asking for help from the country that has defined who they are.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

They are asking for $11.5 million in state funding.

The Guardian - Film

We've made a very good offer, around the amount they are asking for.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality required. "They are requesting" might be more appropriate in formal settings than "they are asking for".

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly defining what "they" are asking for. Vague requests can lead to misinterpretations and unmet expectations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they are asking for" functions as a verbal phrase expressing a request or demand. Ludwig AI examples show it used in various contexts, indicating a wide applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they are asking for" is a grammatically correct and very common way to express a request or demand made by a group. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase sees frequent use in news media and formal business contexts, but its adaptability makes it appropriate for diverse situations. When employing this phrase, clarity and precision in defining the subject and object are essential to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases like "they are requesting" or "they require" can be used to adjust the level of formality or emphasis. By considering these nuances, writers can effectively convey the intended meaning and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they're requesting

Uses the contraction "they're" and the synonym "requesting" for "asking", indicating a slightly less formal tone.

they are requesting

Replaces "asking" with "requesting", providing a more formal tone.

they're demanding

Replaces "asking" with "demanding", suggesting a more assertive or insistent request.

they're seeking

Substitutes "asking" with "seeking", implying a search or quest for something rather than a direct request.

they require

Replaces the entire phrase with the more concise "they require", indicating a need or necessity.

they are seeking to obtain

Uses a longer, more formal construction with "seeking to obtain", emphasizing the effort to acquire something.

they are appealing for

Uses "appealing" instead of "asking", suggesting a plea or earnest request.

they are in need of

Expresses the request as a need, highlighting a deficiency or requirement.

their request is for

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the request itself, making it the subject.

they are soliciting

Replaces "asking" with "soliciting", often used when requesting something like donations or support.

FAQs

How do I use "they are asking for" in a sentence?

You can use "they are asking for" to indicate a request or demand. For example, "The workers are asking for better wages and benefits."

What can I say instead of "they are asking for"?

You can use alternatives like "they are requesting", "they are demanding", or "they require depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "they are requesting" instead of "they are asking for"?

Yes, "they are requesting" is generally considered more formal than "they are asking for". Use "they are requesting" in professional or academic settings.

What is the difference between "they are asking for" and "they are demanding"?

"They are asking for" implies a simple request, while "they are demanding" suggests a more forceful or insistent request.