we have been asked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we have been asked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when some event or action has taken place that has prompted someone to ask you to do something. For example, "We have been asked to fill out a survey about our current living conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We have been asked if we would co-operate.

The Guardian - Tech

But at least we have been asked the question.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"We have been asked to announce it as 'unforeseeable circumstances'.

The Guardian - Music

"We have been asked to refund the money," he said.

The Guardian - Sport

We are only sharing this information because we have been asked".

The Guardian

"We have been asked to engage in conversations with D.A.I.," he added.

The New York Times

We have been asked to sacrifice precisely nothing in that effort.

The New York Times

"We have been asked the same kind of questions by people in Alaska".

The New York Times

But since we have been asked before, Ira had a ready answer.

The New York Times - Style

We have been asked for evidence of how our engagement has made a difference.

The Guardian

We have been asked to send more people to the Arctic, and we plan to do so".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we have been asked", ensure that the context clearly indicates who made the request and what the request entails to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "we have been asked" without specifying who made the request. This can leave the audience wondering about the authority and legitimacy of the request. Always provide context or identify the source when possible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we have been asked" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a request or instruction has been directed towards the speaker(s). It highlights the action of being asked rather than the actor doing the asking. As Ludwig AI suggests, it’s usable in written English to describe when someone asks you to do something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we have been asked" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to convey that a request or instruction has been directed towards the speaker(s). Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It is most frequently found in news and media, formal business settings, and scientific publications. When using this phrase, clarity is key: make sure to specify who made the request to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "we were requested" or "it was requested of us" can be used to add nuance. Overall, "we have been asked" is a versatile and reliable phrase for indicating that a request has been received.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we were requested

Uses a different verb form to express the passive request.

we received a request

Shifts from passive to active voice while maintaining the core meaning.

it was requested of us

Rephrases the request using "it was requested" to emphasize the action.

we are under instruction

Implies a formal directive or order has been given.

we are required

Indicates an obligation or necessity to perform an action.

we have a mandate

Suggests a formal authorization or command.

we are expected

Indicates an anticipation or expectation that we will do something.

we were directed

Uses a more direct verb to indicate someone instructed us.

we were told

Simplifies the phrase to a basic statement of being informed.

a request was made to us

Emphasizes the request itself rather than the action of asking.

FAQs

How can I use "we have been asked" in a sentence?

Use "we have been asked" to indicate that a request has been made of you or your group. For instance, "We have been asked to submit our reports by Friday."

What are some alternatives to "we have been asked"?

Alternatives include "we were requested", "it was requested of us", or "we are required", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "we have been asked" and "we were told"?

"We have been asked" implies a request, while "we were told" simply means we received information. The former suggests a choice, while the latter implies a directive.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a request?

While "we have been asked" (passive) is perfectly acceptable, using the active voice (e.g., "They asked us") can sometimes be more direct and clearer, especially when it's important to emphasize who made the request.