to simply ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to simply ask" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you want to emphasize the straightforwardness or ease of making a request or inquiry. Example: "If you have any questions, feel free to simply ask, and I'll be happy to help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

One is to simply ask which candidate became the nominee.

The New York Times

The best is to simply ask: Tell me about yourself.

The New York Times

We started to simply ask employees about their experiences.

Harvard Business Review

In addition you may want to simply ask them why the cookie is still there.

Stanford University

When harm is caused, it is not sufficient to simply ask the offended child to forgive without addressing the offense.

University of California, Berkeley

"He would receive calls from them, he would call them to simply ask how they were," Ms. Whalen said.

The New York Times

He wrote another letter this week asking for a personal meeting to "simply ask for the right to be heard".

The Guardian

The bill would also do away with the traditional school budget vote and require districts to simply ask voters to support a tax increase.

The New York Times

When we tried to simply ask how and why our song "Girls" had been used in your ad without our permission, YOU sued US.

The New York Times

"When we tried to simply ask how and why our song 'Girls' had been used in your ad without our permission," the letter continued, "YOU sued US".

The New York Times

"When we tried to simply ask how and why our song 'Girls' had been used in your ad without our permission, YOU sued US," the Beastie Boys said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to simply ask" when you want to emphasize the ease and directness of making a request or inquiry, particularly when a more complex approach might be expected.

Common error

Avoid using "to simply ask" excessively in your writing, as it can make your tone sound condescending or dismissive. Instead, consider using more neutral alternatives like "to ask" or "to inquire" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to simply ask" functions as an infinitive phrase, often used to introduce or explain a course of action. Ludwig AI suggests that it highlights the ease or straightforwardness of making an inquiry or request. Examples show it used in contexts where a direct approach is being emphasized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Academia

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to simply ask" is a grammatically correct and very common infinitive phrase used to emphasize the directness and ease of making a request or inquiry. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and provides numerous examples across various contexts. While generally neutral, its use should be carefully considered in formal settings to avoid sounding condescending. Common alternatives include "to just ask" and "to merely ask". According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently found in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, reflecting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to just ask

Focuses on the directness of the inquiry, omitting the emphasis on ease.

to merely ask

Highlights the basic nature of the request, implying it requires little effort.

to only ask

Emphasizes that nothing more than asking is needed.

to plainly ask

Stresses the clarity and lack of complication in the request.

to directly inquire

Highlights the straightforward nature of the question.

to just inquire

Focuses on the direct action of asking for information.

to pose the question

Replaces "ask" with a more formal term, suitable for specific contexts.

to make a request

Shifts the focus to the action of requesting, rather than the simplicity.

to put the question

Replaces "ask" with a slightly more formal and indirect phrasing.

to voice the query

A more elaborate alternative, suitable for specific formal situations.

FAQs

How can I use "to simply ask" in a sentence?

You can use "to simply ask" to emphasize the ease and directness of a request. For example, "If you're unsure about the instructions, feel free "to simply ask" for clarification".

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

Alternatives include "to just ask", "to merely ask", or "to plainly ask", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "to simply ask"?

While generally acceptable, using "to simply ask" might sound condescending in certain formal situations. Assess your audience and context to decide if a more neutral alternative like "to inquire" would be more suitable.

What's the difference between "to simply ask" and "to just ask"?

Both phrases are similar, but "to simply ask" emphasizes the ease and straightforwardness of the request, while "to just ask" focuses more on the directness of the action itself.