request vs ask :

request or ask

If you want something you can request it or you can ask for it. Many people like “request” because it sounds more formal, more elegant; but to other people it just sounds pretentious. There are many instances in which plain old “ask” works better: “I'm asking my buddies to go camping with me.” “She asked him to walk the dog.” Except on wedding invitations, try to avoid “request” where “ask” will do as well.

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Definitions
  request
  • n  a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority
  • n  the verbal act of requesting
  • v  express the need or desire for; ask for
    She requested an extra bed in her room
  • v  ask (a person) to do something
    I requested that she type the entire manuscript
  • v  inquire for (information)
    I requested information from the secretary
  ask
  • v  inquire about
    I asked about their special today
    He had to ask directions several times
  • v  make a request or demand for something to somebody
    She asked him for a loan
  • v  direct or put; seek an answer to
    ask a question
  • v  consider obligatory; request and expect
    Aren't we asking too much of these children?
  • v  address a question to and expect an answer from
    The children asked me about their dead grandmother
  • v  require as useful, just, or proper
    This job asks a lot of patience and skill
  • v  require or ask for as a price or condition
    He is asking $200 for the table
    The kidnappers are asking a million dollars in return for the release of their hostage
News & Articles
  request
  ask
  • Ask Well: How Often to Exercise
    A reader asks: Does it really matter if I work out three days in a row, rather than spreading my exercise through the week?
    June 14, 2013 - New York Times
  • Three Republicans Ask Glenn Beck's Help to Stop Immigration Reform (Video)
    Three House Republicans, Rep. Michele Bachmann (MN), Rep. Steve King (IA) and Rep. Louie Gohmert (TX), appeared on Glenn Beck's TV program tonight to ask the host and his viewers to help them stop immigration reform (video below). "We'll be spending $2.7 trillion just to supply the retirement benefits for illegal aliens," Bachmann said. "So we are bringing in a class of people who have broken ...
    June 14, 2013 - Opposing Views
  • Ask Matt: Thrones Unspoiled, Nurse Jackie, Mad Men, Orphan Black
    Ask Matt: Thrones Unspoiled, Nurse Jackie, Mad Men, Orphan Black Seattle Post-Intelligencer Copyright 2013 Seattle Post-Intelligencer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Published 7:06 am, Monday, June 10, 2013 (Although with Thrones, I read the first three books years before HBO began filming them, so I knew what was coming - and in ...
    June 12, 2013 - seattlepi.com