they asked that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they asked that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a request made by someone, often followed by a clause explaining what was asked. Example: "They asked that we submit the report by Friday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

How smart is a project, they asked, that brings more than 4,000 new residents to a quiet little corner of the North Shore?

The New York Times

They asked that day if our parents were really interested in meeting Diane Keaton".

Huffington Post

They asked that workers slow the excavation.

The New York Times

"They asked that I play tough.

The New York Times - Sports

They asked that law enforcement not be present.

The New York Times

They asked that she appear within the next two weeks.

The Guardian - Business

They asked that officers escort them from the courthouse.

The New York Times

And they asked that they wear life preservers.

The New York Times

So they asked that the words be restored.

The New York Times

Didn't I realise, they asked, that Malick was a Christian?

The Guardian - Film

(They asked that I not use their last names).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they asked that", ensure the subject is clearly defined and the request is specific. This avoids ambiguity and ensures effective communication.

Common error

Avoid using "they asked that" when the 'they' is ambiguous. Always ensure the reader knows exactly who is making the request to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they asked that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing an indirect request or command. Ludwig examples show it's commonly used to relay information about what someone requested or demanded.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they asked that" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for reporting a request made by a group. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally suitable for a variety of contexts, particularly in news and media. To ensure clarity, always define who "they" refers to and make sure the request is specific. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "they requested that". Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating the subject and the details of the request.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they requested that

Uses 'requested' instead of 'asked', implying a more formal request.

they inquired that

Substitutes 'asked' with 'inquired', suggesting a formal investigation or questioning.

they stipulated that

Replaces 'asked' with 'stipulated', indicating a condition or requirement that was specified.

they demanded that

Employs 'demanded' in place of 'asked', conveying a stronger, more forceful request.

it was their request that

Restructures the sentence to emphasize the request itself.

their requirement was that

Highlights the requirement as the central point, rather than the act of asking.

they suggested that

Uses 'suggested' instead of 'asked', indicating a milder, less direct request.

they proposed that

Replaces 'asked' with 'proposed', implying a formal suggestion for consideration.

they voiced a request that

Emphasizes the expression of the request, making it more explicit.

they put forward that

Uses 'put forward' instead of 'asked', suggesting a formal presentation of an idea or request.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they asked that" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you could use phrases like "they requested that" or "it was their request that". These options add a layer of formality suitable for professional contexts.

Is "they asked that" grammatically correct?

Yes, according to Ludwig AI, "they asked that" is grammatically correct and commonly used. However, ensure the context is clear and the request is specific for effective communication.

What's a less direct alternative to "they asked that"?

A less direct alternative could be "they suggested that". This softens the request, making it more of a suggestion than a direct demand.

How can I avoid ambiguity when using "they asked that"?

To avoid ambiguity, clearly define who "they" refers to and ensure the request following "they asked that" is specific and unambiguous. For example, "The committee asked that the report be submitted by Friday".