we are asked

USAGE SUMMARY

"we are asked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are describing a situation in which someone else is asking you or your group to do something. For example, "We are asked to come up with a plan to reduce carbon emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Now we are asked to acknowledge complexities.

The New York Times - Arts

We are asked to overrule Shapiro.

Cornell University

We are asked: "Multiculturalism has failed.

The Guardian

"We insure if we are asked.

The New York Times - Travel

So, we are asked to divide by this crazy thing.

Yale University

"Want to be scared by spiders?" we are asked.

The New York Times - Arts

We are asked to tell him our impressions of Kurdistan.

The Economist

We are asked to eat a sandwich in silence.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The bigger the question, the less we are asked.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are asked more and more questions in different contexts".

The Guardian

We are asked to influence the militia in the southeast.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are asked", ensure the context clearly indicates who is making the request and what action is being requested.

Common error

Avoid using "we are asked" when you mean to say "we ask". The passive voice shifts the focus away from the actor (who is asking) to the recipient of the action (we). Make sure the context calls for this shift in emphasis.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are asked" functions as a passive construction. It indicates that the subject (we) is the recipient of an action (being asked). Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, making it a valid and functional element in sentence construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are asked" is a commonly used and grammatically correct phrase that functions as a passive construction to indicate a request or inquiry directed towards the speaker or their group. Ludwig AI validates this, highlighting its frequent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the source of the request and the action being requested. Alternatives such as "we are requested" or "it is asked of us" may be used for a more formal tone, while "we are expected" or "we are required" can emphasize obligation. Be mindful of the distinction between "we are asked" and "we ask" to avoid misusing the passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

We have been asked

Past tense, emphasizing that the request happened previously.

We are requested

More formal and direct, implying a specific request has been made.

We are being asked

Present continuous tense, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the request.

We are required

Emphasizes obligation or necessity.

We are expected

Focuses on the anticipation of a certain action.

We are prompted

Suggests a gentle encouragement or reminder.

We are called upon

Highlights a sense of duty or responsibility.

We are invited

Implies a more courteous and voluntary request.

It is asked of us

More formal and slightly indirect phrasing.

We must

Expresses a strong obligation or requirement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we are asked" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using "we are requested" or "it is asked of us". These alternatives add a layer of professional distance and emphasize the external source of the request.

What's the difference between "we are asked" and "we are requesting"?

"We are asked" implies that someone else is making a request of us. "We are requesting", on the other hand, means that we are the ones making the request. Be mindful of who is initiating the request to use the correct phrasing.

Is "we are asked to" always followed by an infinitive verb?

Yes, "we are asked to" is typically followed by an infinitive verb (e.g., "We are asked to participate", "We are asked to consider"). This construction indicates the action that is being requested.

What can I say instead of "we are asked" when I want to express an expectation?

If you want to convey a sense of expectation rather than a direct request, alternatives like "we are expected" or "we are required" might be more appropriate. These phrases highlight obligation or necessity.