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Ask vs. Request — What's the Difference?

By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 5, 2024
"Ask" is a general term for seeking information or assistance, while "request" implies a more formal or polite appeal. Both involve solicitation, but the context and tone often differ.
Ask vs. Request — What's the Difference?

Difference Between Ask and Request

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Key Differences

Asking is a broad term that encompasses any act of seeking information, help, or permission from someone. On the other hand, requesting is more specific and is often used in contexts where politeness, formality, or a particular protocol is needed.
When you ask someone to do something, it can be casual and spontaneous, reflecting everyday communication. Whereas, making a request usually involves more consideration and sometimes follows a specific format or requires formal language, especially in written form.
"Ask" can be used in both informal and formal contexts without much change in its formality level. However, "request" inherently carries a level of formality and politeness, making it more suitable for professional or official communications.
The process of asking can be as simple as posing a question or expressing a need. In contrast, requesting often implies that some thought has gone into the wording or method of the appeal, aiming to convey respect for the recipient's authority or discretion.
In some situations, "ask" can also imply a demand, depending on tone and context, which is less likely with "request." The latter suggests that the action or information sought is at the discretion of the person being addressed, emphasizing respect for their decision.
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Comparison Chart

Formality

Can be informal or formal.
Generally formal and polite.

Context

Broad, everyday situations.
More structured or official settings.

Tone

Can vary widely.
Implies consideration and respect.

Implication

Could be a question or need.
Suggests a well-considered appeal.

Perception

Direct, potentially demanding.
Polite, respecting recipient’s discretion.

Compare with Definitions

Ask

Expressing the need for something.
She asked for a glass of water.

Request

Formally asking for something to be given or done.
She sent a request for additional resources.

Ask

Demanding or expecting something.
The teacher asked a lot from her students.

Request

Asking for something with an expectation of action.
The committee made a request for further details.

Ask

To pose a question or seek information.
Can I ask what time the meeting starts?

Request

Seeking permission in a formal manner.
They've put in a request to expand the building.

Ask

Requesting assistance or asking for permission.
I need to ask for help with this project.

Request

Soliciting help or information politely.
Could I request your assistance with this matter?

Ask

Inquiring about someone’s well-being or thoughts.
He always asks how I'm doing.

Request

Applying for something, often officially.
He filed a request for leave.

Ask

To put a question to
When we realized that we didn't know the answer, we asked the teacher.

Request

An act of asking politely or formally for something
A request for information
The club's excursion was postponed at the request of some of the members

Ask

To seek an answer to
Ask a question.

Request

Politely or formally ask for
The chairman requested that the reports be considered
He received the information he had requested

Ask

To seek information about
Asked directions.

Request

To express a desire for, especially politely; ask for. Often used with an infinitive or clause
Requested information about the experiment.
Requested to see the evidence firsthand.
Requested that the bus driver stop at the next corner.

Ask

To make a request of
Asked me for a loan.

Request

To ask (a person) to do something
The police requested her to accompany them.

Ask

To make a request for. Often used with an infinitive or clause
Ask a favor of a friend.
Asked to go along on the trip.
Asked that he be allowed to stay out late.

Request

An act of asking for something.

Ask

To require or call for as a price or condition
Asked ten dollars for the book.

Request

Something asked for
Wasn't happy until he got his request.

Ask

To expect or demand
Ask too much of a child.

Request

To ask for (something).
The corporal requested reinforcements.
I have requested that the furniture be moved back to its original position.

Ask

To invite
Asked them to dinner.

Request

(transitive) To ask (somebody) to do something.
She called me into her office and requested me to sit down.

Ask

(Archaic)To publish, as marriage banns.

Request

Act of requesting (with the adposition at in the presence of possessives, and on in their absence).

Ask

To make inquiry; seek information.

Request

A formal message requesting something.

Ask

To make a request
Asked for help.

Request

Condition of being sought after.

Ask

The act of making a request
“He was contacted by the mayor's fund-raiser ... a day after the mayor made the ask” (Jennifer Fermino).

Request

(networking) A message sent over a network to a server.
The server returned a 404 error to the HTTP request.

Ask

Something that is requested
“Being funny on demand is a big ask” (Anne Curzan).

Request

(obsolete) That which is asked for or requested.

Ask

To request (information, or an answer to a question).
I asked her age.
I asked her (for) her age.

Request

The act of asking for anything desired; expression of desire or demand; solicitation; prayer; petition; entreaty.
I will marry her, sir, at your request.

Ask

To put forward (a question) to be answered.
To ask a question

Request

That which is asked for or requested.
I will both hear and grant you your requests.

Ask

To interrogate or enquire of (a person).
I'm going to ask this lady for directions.

Request

A state of being desired or held in such estimation as to be sought after or asked for; demand.
Knowledge and fame were in as great request as wealth among us now.

Ask

To request or petition; usually with for.
To ask for a second helping at dinner
To ask for help with homework
Emma asked Jim to close his eyes.

Request

To ask for (something); to express desire ffor; to solicit; as, to request his presence, or a favor.

Ask

To request permission to do something.
She asked to see the doctor.
Did you ask to use the car?

Request

To address with a request; to ask.
I request youTo give my poor host freedom.

Ask

To require, demand, claim, or expect, whether by way of remuneration or return, or as a matter of necessity.
What price are you asking for the house?

Request

A formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority

Ask

To invite.
Don't ask them to the wedding.

Request

The verbal act of requesting

Ask

To publish in church for marriage; said of both the banns and the persons.

Request

Express the need or desire for; ask for;
She requested an extra bed in her room
She called for room service

Ask

(figuratively) To take (a person's situation) as an example.

Request

Ask (a person) to do something;
She asked him to be here at noon
I requested that she type the entire manuscript

Ask

An act or instance of asking.

Request

Inquire for (information);
I requested information from the secretary

Ask

Something asked or asked for.
I know this is a big ask, but …

Ask

An asking price.

Ask

(Internet) A message sent to a blog on social networking platform Tumblr, which can be publicly posted and replied to by the recipient.

Ask

An eft; newt.

Ask

A lizard.

Ask

To request; to seek to obtain by words; to petition; to solicit; - often with of, in the sense of from, before the person addressed.
Ask counsel, we pray thee, of God.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Ask

To require, demand, claim, or expect, whether by way of remuneration or return, or as a matter of necessity; as, what price do you ask?
Ask me never so much dowry.
To whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.
An exigence of state asks a much longer time to conduct a design to maturity.

Ask

To interrogate or inquire of or concerning; to put a question to or about; to question.
He is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
He asked the way to Chester.

Ask

To invite; as, to ask one to an entertainment.

Ask

To publish in church for marriage; - said of both the banns and the persons.

Ask

To request or petition; - usually followed by for; as, to ask for bread.
Ask, and it shall be given you.

Ask

To make inquiry, or seek by request; - sometimes followed by after.
Wherefore . . . dost ask after my name?

Ask

A water newt.

Ask

Inquire about;
I asked about their special today
He had to ask directions several times

Ask

Make a request or demand for something to somebody;
She asked him for a loan

Ask

Direct or put; seek an answer to;
Ask a question

Ask

Consider obligatory; request and expect;
We require our secretary to be on time
Aren't we asking too much of these children?
I expect my students to arrive in time for their lessons

Ask

Require or ask for as a price or condition;
He is asking $200 for the table
The kidnapers are asking a million dollars in return for the release of their hostage

Ask

Require as useful, just, or proper;
It takes nerve to do what she did
Success usually requires hard work
This job asks a lot of patience and skill
This position demands a lot of personal sacrifice
This dinner calls for a spectacular dessert
This intervention does not postulates a patient's consent

Common Curiosities

Is making a request more respectful than asking?

Yes, making a request typically conveys more respect and consideration for the recipient's autonomy and decision-making power.

Can "ask" imply urgency?

Yes, "ask" can imply urgency, depending on context and tone, unlike "request," which is usually more measured.

Is it better to ask or request in a professional setting?

In professional settings, "request" is often preferred for its formality and politeness, especially in written communications.

Can "request" be used informally?

While generally formal, "request" can be used informally to emphasize politeness or humor in personal communications.

How does tone affect the use of ask vs. request?

Tone can make "ask" sound either casual or demanding, whereas "request" almost always carries a respectful and polite tone.

Can "ask" be replaced with "request" in any situation?

While they can often be used interchangeably, the choice depends on the desired tone and level of formality.

What is the main difference between ask and request?

"Ask" can be casual or formal, while "request" typically denotes a formal or polite appeal.

Can "ask" be used in formal documents?

Yes, but its use may depend on the document's tone and purpose. "Request" is often preferred for clarity and formality.

Do "ask" and "request" require different responses?

The response may not differ, but "request" might prompt a more formal or thoughtful reply due to its formality.

What makes a request formal?

The structure, choice of words, and inclusion of polite elements (e.g., "please," "could you") contribute to the formality of a request.

Is it more effective to ask or request in negotiations?

"Request" might be more effective in negotiations as it shows respect for the other party's position and opens space for dialogue.

Can I use "request" in everyday conversation?

Yes, but it may sound overly formal or humorous, depending on the context.

Is "ask" or "request" better for persuasive communication?

"Request" can be more persuasive in formal settings due to its respectful connotation, while "ask" is versatile and can be persuasive in both casual and formal contexts.

Does "request" imply a higher chance of refusal?

Not necessarily, but it suggests that the action is at the discretion of the person addressed, respecting their right to refuse.

How do cultural differences impact the use of ask vs. request?

Cultural norms can influence the perception of politeness and formality, affecting when and how each term is used.

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Author Spotlight

Written by
Urooj Arif
Urooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza Rafique
Fiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.

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