to be asked for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be asked for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that is requested or sought after by someone. Example: "The information you need is to be asked for during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Was expecting POEM@Home to be asked for work.

University of California, Berkeley

You were flattered to be asked for your opinion.

Harvard University

Unsurprisingly, you can expect to be asked for science subjects.

Independent

People are flattered to be asked for help.

The Guardian

After a lunch conversation about westerns, Desmarais was surprised to be asked for her CV.

Stanford University

Here, I have yet to be asked for my new Connecticut driver's license.

The New York Times

Who is affected by the outcomes and therefore needs to be asked for their view?

Harvard Business Review

He looks astonished to be asked for an interview, but recovers swiftly.

The Guardian

Common enemies need to be asked for answers, not simply united against.

The Guardian - Opinion

I've found that most people are delighted to be asked for advice.

The Guardian - Travel

If you're counting on a future bonus, expect to be asked for a letter from your employer verifying that, too.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be asked for" in passive voice constructions to indicate that someone or something is the recipient of a request. For example: "Feedback is to be asked for at the end of the presentation."

Common error

Avoid using "to be asked for" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The manager is to be asked for a raise," consider "Employees should ask the manager for a raise."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be asked for" primarily functions as a passive infinitive construction. This means it indicates an action that is to be performed on the subject, rather than by the subject. Ludwig AI confirms that this construction is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Academia

20%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

9%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to be asked for" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive infinitive phrase. It signifies that a request or solicitation is anticipated or necessary. Ludwig, drawing from a wide array of sources, indicates that the phrase is commonly found in news, academic, and scientific writing. While generally neutral in register, it is crucial to use it accurately to avoid confusion between active and passive voice constructions. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, proper usage ensures clarity and precision in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be requested

Replaces "asked" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the act of making a request.

to be solicited

Emphasizes the act of seeking something, often implying a formal or persistent approach.

to be inquired about

Shifts the focus to the act of seeking information or details about something.

to be called for

Suggests that something is necessary or required in a specific situation.

to be petitioned for

Implies a formal request, often made to an authority or organization.

to be applied for

Specifies that a formal application process is needed to obtain something.

to be sought after

Highlights the desirability of something, indicating that it is in demand.

to be desired

Focuses on the aspect of wanting something strongly, implying an emotional connection.

to be in demand

Emphasizes the high level of interest and need for something.

to be subject to request

Formal phrasing to indicate that something is available only if specifically requested.

FAQs

How can I use "to be asked for" in a sentence?

You can use "to be asked for" to indicate that something is expected or required to be requested. For example, "Additional information is "to be asked for" if the initial application is incomplete".

What's a more formal alternative to "to be asked for"?

A more formal alternative is "to be requested". For example, "All supporting documentation must to be requested separately".

Is it correct to say "something needs to be asked for"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It emphasizes the necessity of someone making a request. For instance, "Clarification on the policy needs "to be asked for" to avoid misunderstandings".

What is the difference between "to ask for" and "to be asked for"?

"To ask for" is active, indicating someone is making a request. "To be asked for" is passive, indicating that something is being requested from someone else. For example, "Applicants should "to ask for" the application form" versus "The application form is "to be asked for" from the admissions office".