we previously asked for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we previously asked for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a request made in the past, often in a follow-up context. Example: "In our last meeting, we previously asked for an update on the project timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He said prosecutors had previously asked for a short delay, and that it was done "in good faith" as they prepared for trial.

The New York Times

The victims had been student leaders in Ethiopia, and the Kenyan police said some of them had previously asked for protection.

The New York Times

Not all medical schools – which previously asked for a fourth AS-level – have announced how they will adapt their entry requirements.

The Guardian

Greg Sargent (@ThePlumLineGS) Amusing to watch GOP aides pretend that Obama didn't offer them precisely what they previously asked for on entitlements.

The Guardian

And after El Salvador severed ties to Taiwan in August, Taipei said the Central American country had previously asked for an "astronomical sum" in aid.

The Washington Post

US Secretary of State John Kerry has previously asked for NSA's actions to be internationally excused,  saying they were necessary to combat terrorism.

Independent

The Bush administration has for months called for a voluntary code of conduct and previously asked for the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to help draw one up.

The New York Times

The Iraqi government had previously asked for Mosul residents to stay in their homes however aid agencies are bracing for as many as 300,000 people to flee the city in the coming days.

The Guardian

Plus, like many other women, and unlike many men, she maintained that she had been too passive about her compensation her whole career and had never previously asked for a raise.

The New York Times

Response to this wave of craft spirits from consumers abroad has been overwhelming: Where the in-crowds of Berlin and Hong Kong might have previously asked for a Grey Goose vodka or a Macallan single-malt Scotch, today more drinkers are demanding a Balcones whiskey from Waco, Tex., or a Perry's Tot gin from Williamsburg in Brooklyn.

The New York Times

It had previously asked for a filing extension until March 31.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "we previously asked for" with a more specific phrase if the exact nature of the request is important for the reader to understand immediately.

Common error

Avoid using "we previously asked for" without specifying the subject or context of the request. This can lead to confusion if the recipient isn't aware of the initial request.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we previously asked for" functions as a reminder or a reference to a past request. Ludwig suggests it's a grammatically correct way to introduce a topic that has already been brought up.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we previously asked for" is a grammatically sound phrase used to refer back to a prior request. While not frequently encountered, Ludwig confirms its correct usage in written English. The phrase serves as a polite reminder and is versatile enough for various contexts, fitting neutrally to professionally. Ludwig indicates it is suitable when re-emphasizing a point or seeking action on an earlier inquiry, and suggests paying attention to context when using it to ensure its clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we requested earlier

Focuses on the act of requesting with an emphasis on the time frame.

we inquired before

Uses a more formal tone indicating that an inquiry was made at an earlier time.

we had earlier requested

Reorders the words slightly for emphasis on previous action.

we submitted a request previously

More formal alternative emphasizing the submission of the request.

we put in a request before

More informal alternative using 'put in' instead of 'asked'.

we had asked for this before

Emphasizes that the request was made regarding something specific.

our earlier request was for

Highlights the request and what it was for, changing the sentence structure.

we formerly requested

Uses a more formal term, 'formerly', in place of 'previously'.

a request was previously made by us for

Passive voice construction that emphasizes the request itself.

we'd already asked for

Uses a contraction to make the phrase more casual. Short version of 'we had already asked for'.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "we previously asked for"?

You can use alternatives like "we requested earlier", "we inquired before", or "we had earlier requested" depending on the context.

How do I properly use "we previously asked for" in a sentence?

Ensure the sentence clearly indicates both the subject of the request and the timing. For example, "We previously asked for an update on the project timeline during our last meeting" is clearer than "We previously asked for it".

Is it better to use "we previously asked for" or a more specific phrase?

Using a more specific phrase is often preferable for clarity. For example, instead of "we previously asked for clarification", you could say "we requested clarification on the new policy last week".

What's the difference between "we previously asked for" and "we requested"?

"We requested" is a direct statement of a request, while "we previously asked for" implies a reminder that a request was made earlier. The latter is suitable when the request has not been fulfilled or acknowledged.