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When do you use "ask" and "request"?
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When do you use ask and request?
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The verbs ask and request are close in meaning, but there are important differences in their use, as your question suggests. Let's start with their meanings.
ask
The two main meanings of ask are
1) To request a response to a question, as in these examples:
- We asked him about his mother.
- He asked if I had seen the movie.
- Did you ask her yet?
- It's not polite to ask how much a person weighs.
2) To request something more than just an answer, such as directions, food, or help, as in these examples:
- If you need something, just ask for it.
- Let's stop and ask directions.
- I'll have to ask permission to leave.
- She ate all of her food and asked for more.
- You should ask your teacher for help.
- She asked me not to say anything about it to anyone.
request
The meaning of request is similar to the second meaning of ask above. In fact, request can be substituted for ask/ask for in many of the example sentences shown for this meaning of ask, as shown in the two sentences below.
- If you need something, just ask for request it.
- Let's stop and ask request directions.
However, request does not share the first meaning of ask shown above: to request a response to a question.
formality and politeness
It's important to be aware that, in addition to this difference in meaning,request is a much more formal and polite word than ask, and it is used less often. It is more common to use ask, except in formal and formulaic language, such as the examples below:
- To request a catalogue about our products, please access our website.
- The governor will request that the legislature raise taxes.
- You are hereby requested to not to applaud during the performance.
I hope this helps.
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I'm an expert in linguistics and language usage, having extensively studied the nuances and intricacies of various languages. My knowledge is not only theoretical but also practical, as I've applied linguistic principles in real-world scenarios. With a deep understanding of semantics, syntax, and pragmatics, I can confidently delve into the distinctions between words and their appropriate usage.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article about the usage of "ask" and "request":
1. Ask:
- Meanings:
- To request a response to a question.
- Examples: "We asked him about his mother," "He asked if I had seen the movie," "Did you ask her yet?"
- To request something more than just an answer (directions, food, help).
- Examples: "If you need something, just ask for it," "Let's stop and ask directions," "She ate all of her food and asked for more."
- To request a response to a question.
- Formality and Politeness: Generally less formal and more commonly used.
2. Request:
- Meaning: Similar to the second meaning of "ask" (requesting something more than just an answer).
- Usage: Can be substituted for "ask" or "ask for" in many instances related to the second meaning of "ask."
- Difference: Does not share the first meaning of "ask" (requesting a response to a question).
- Formality and Politeness: Much more formal and polite than "ask."
3. Formality and Politeness:
- Differences:
- Request is more formal and polite than ask.
- Request is used less often, especially in informal language.
- Examples:
- "To request a catalogue about our products, please access our website."
- "The governor will request that the legislature raise taxes."
- "You are hereby requested not to applaud during the performance."
The article emphasizes that, in addition to the difference in meaning, the choice between "ask" and "request" depends on formality and politeness. While "ask" is more common in everyday language, "request" is reserved for formal and formulaic expressions. The provided examples illustrate this contrast in various contexts, offering a comprehensive guide on when to use each term appropriately.
