to ask for

USAGE SUMMARY

"to ask for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone's request, typically for something that they need or want. For example, "I went to the store to ask for assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were to ask for an armistice.

Independent

Is that too much to ask for?

Independent

I'm going to ask for more!

Independent

You've got to ask for perspectives.

The New York Times

It is hard to ask for more.

The New York Times - Arts

Burke decided to ask for a breather.

The New Yorker

It is hard to ask for help.

The New York Times

"You need to ask for some gratitude".

The New Yorker

paranoid" to ask for it.

The Washington Post

It is time for software companies to ask for help.

Software Piracy Exposed

He wasn't ashamed to ask for it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "to ask for" in formal writing, ensure the context aligns with the level of formality. "To request" might be a more appropriate alternative for official documents.

Common error

Avoid using "to ask for" repeatedly in formal reports or business communications. Vary your language by incorporating synonyms like "request", "solicit", or "seek" for a more polished and professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to ask for" functions primarily as a verb phrase, specifically an infinitive phrase, used to express the act of making a request. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

30%

Science

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "to ask for" is a versatile and common expression used to indicate a request or solicitation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It appears most frequently in news, wiki, and scientific contexts, demonstrating its adaptability across different registers. While "to ask for" is suitable for many situations, formal contexts may benefit from synonyms such as "to request" or "to solicit". Understanding these nuances ensures effective and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to request

Formal synonym, implying a more polite or official way to ask.

to solicit

Implies seeking something, often support or contributions.

to seek

Suggests a more active search for something needed.

to apply for

Specifically used when seeking a formal opportunity or benefit.

to put in a request

Idiomatic way to express making a formal demand.

to petition

Involves a formal written request to an authority.

to appeal for

Suggests a more urgent or emotional request for help or support.

to call for

Indicates a public demand or necessity.

to look for

Implies searching or trying to find something needed or desired.

to demand

Strongly assert a requirement or expectation.

FAQs

What does "to ask for" mean?

The phrase "to ask for" means to request or seek something from someone. It's a common way to express a need or desire.

What can I say instead of "to ask for"?

You can use alternatives like "to request", "to solicit", or "to seek" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "to ask for help"?

Yes, it is perfectly correct to say "to ask for help". It means to request assistance or support from someone.

When is it appropriate to use "to ask for"?

It is appropriate in most contexts, from informal conversations to more formal requests. However, consider using more formal alternatives like "to request" in official communications.