Used and loved by millions

Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

I am writing to ask
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

Q: What is the best way to start a formal email with a request?

You can begin with "I am writing to formally " request "", "I am writing to " enquire "", or " With this letter I ask you " followed by your specific request.

Q: What are some synonyms for "I am writing to ask"?

Alternatives include "I am writing to " inquire "", "I am writing to " request "", "I am writing to " enquire "", or "My reason for writing is to " ask "" depending on the level of formality and specific intent.

USAGE SUMMARY

"I am writing to ask" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English
It is generally used when you want to inquire about something or request information from someone. For instance, you might write, "I am writing to ask if you would be willing to lend me some money."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

I am writing to ask you to ignore him.

News & Media

The Guardian - Opinion

I am writing to ask for clemency for the prisoners Myuran Sukumaran and Andrew Chan.

News & Media

The Guardian - Opinion

I am writing to ask you to support H.R. 5889, *The Orphan Works Act of 2008*.

Academia

Princeton University

I am writing to ask if you will participate in a very exciting research project I'm planning here at Sullivan.

News & Media

Harvard Business Review

I am writing to ask you to commit to keeping City of Leeds School open on its current site.

News & Media

The Guardian

"I am writing to ask you to STOP gun violence," wrote Tajeah, a 10-year-old from Georgia.

News & Media

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"I'm writing to ask about the winner of your marathon a few weeks ago, Kip Litton," Strode wrote.

News & Media

The New Yorker

That's why I'm writing to ask for your support by making a contribution or becoming a member.

News & Media

The Guardian

That's why I'm writing to ask you for your support of the Guardian as 2016 comes to a close.

News & Media

The Guardian

"You probably think I'm writing to ask you for your vote in the upcoming election for party leader," she says.

News & Media

The Guardian

Describing the opera as "filth", Jubb wrote: "I'm writing to ask you to join my campaign and avoid attending shows at BAC. Join me and say no to BAC".

News & Media

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I am writing to ask", clearly state your request or question in the following sentence to ensure clarity and directness.

Common error

Do not leave the purpose of your letter vague. Follow "I am writing to ask" with a specific and actionable request to avoid confusing the recipient.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I am writing to ask" functions as an introduction to a request or inquiry within a written communication. It signals the purpose of the writing and sets the stage for the specific question or request that follows. Ludwig AI confirms that is a valid English phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

16%

Science

Less common in

Wiki

Formal & Business

Reference

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I am writing to ask" serves as a common and direct introduction to a request or inquiry in written communication. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used. While versatile, it's essential to ensure clarity and specificity in the subsequent sentence to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "I am writing to inquire" or "I am writing to request" for more formal contexts. Remember, according to Ludwig, the phrase fits across multiple topics and communication scenarios.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I am writing to inquire

Substitutes "ask" with the more formal "inquire", suitable for professional or academic contexts.

I am writing to request

Replaces "ask" with "request", indicating a more formal and direct appeal.

I am sending this letter to ask

Adds specificity by mentioning the letter as the medium of communication.

This letter is to ask

A more concise and direct way of stating the purpose of the letter.

I am reaching out to ask

Uses "reaching out" which is common in business communication.

I am writing with a question about

Focuses on posing a question rather than a general request.

FAQs

What is the best way to start a formal email with a request?

You can begin with "I am writing to formally "request"", "I am writing to "enquire"", or "With this letter I ask you" followed by your specific request.

Is it too direct to start an email with "I am writing to ask"?

While direct, it's acceptable in many contexts. To soften it, consider adding a brief introductory sentence or using alternatives like "I hope this email finds you well. I am writing to "ask you if"...".

What are some synonyms for "I am writing to ask"?

Alternatives include "I am writing to "inquire"", "I am writing to "request"", "I am writing to "enquire"", or "My reason for writing is to "ask"" depending on the level of formality and specific intent.

How can I make a request more polite when starting with "I am writing to ask"?

You can add phrases such as "I would be grateful if", "I would appreciate it if", or "Could you please" after the initial phrase to convey politeness. For example, "I am writing to ask if you could please provide..."

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Table of contents

Usage summary

Human-verified examples

Expert writing tips

Linguistic context

Ludwig's wrap-up

Alternative expressions

FAQs

Source & Trust

87%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences:

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I am writing to askGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

I am writing to ask
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples