we ask you

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we ask you" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when making a request or inviting someone to take action or provide information. Example: "In light of the recent changes, we ask you to review the updated policy documents and provide your feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We ask you not to give.

The New Yorker

"We ask you to trust us".

The Guardian

"Can we ask you a question?

The New York Times - Magazine

We ask you to commit for twenty-eight days.

The New Yorker

"Can we ask you a few questions?" he asked.

The New York Times

Now we ask you to continue and extend your support.

Independent

"We ask you to release him without delay".

The New York Times

We ask you to lead in two ways.

The Guardian

We ask you this: were Cardiff half cut on booze?

The Guardian - Sport

We ask you to put the record straight".

The Guardian

We ask you to join us and resist this process.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In less formal contexts, consider softening the phrase with "we would like to ask you" to maintain politeness.

Common error

Avoid using "we ask you" excessively in contexts where a more direct and active voice would be clearer and more engaging. For instance, instead of "You are asked by us to submit your report," use "Please submit your report."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we ask you" serves as a performative utterance, primarily functioning to directly request or solicit something from the addressee. It explicitly frames the subsequent content as a request, invitation, or instruction. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's a commonly used and grammatically sound way to initiate a request.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

24%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "we ask you" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to directly request something from the reader or listener. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a common phrase found across various contexts, including news, academia, and science. While neutral in tone, it can lean towards more formal communication, particularly in professional settings. For more polite requests, consider alternatives like "we would like to ask you". To avoid monotonous writing, try to rephrase and avoid an overuse of the passive voice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we request that you

More formal and direct.

we would like to ask you

More polite and indirect.

we urge you to

Emphasizes the importance or urgency of the request.

we invite you to

More of an invitation than a direct request.

could we ask you to

More tentative and polite.

we appeal to you to

Formal and often used in serious or urgent contexts.

we need you to

Direct and emphasizes necessity.

we expect you to

Sets an expectation or requirement.

we advise you to

Offers guidance or a recommendation.

we encourage you to

Suggests a positive action with enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "we ask you" to sound more polite?

To sound more polite, you can use phrases like "we would like to ask you" or "could we ask you to". These options soften the request.

When is it appropriate to use "we ask you"?

It's appropriate to use "we ask you" when making a direct request or invitation, especially in formal or professional communication. Ensure the request is clear and concise.

What are some formal alternatives to "we ask you"?

Formal alternatives include "we request that you" or "we urge you to". These phrases add a level of seriousness to the request.

Is "we ask of you" grammatically correct instead of "we ask you"?

While "we ask of you" isn't incorrect, "we ask you" is generally more common and direct. "We ask of you" might be used in more poetic or solemn contexts.