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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 would like to ask you
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"I would like to ask you" is correct and usable in written English
You can use this phrase when you are making a request or posing a question. For example, "I would like to ask you if you could help me with my project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

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

56 human-written examples

"I would like to ask you a question," she began.

News & Media

The New York Times - Sports

Therefore, I would like to ask you to prepare for this detailed information the ministers will deliver.

News & Media

The Economist

I would like to ask you a lot, Mr Van Gaal".

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

Radeljković: Mr. Updike, I would like to ask you about your actual process of writing.

News & Media

The New Yorker

"Leonard McKenzie, one thing I would like to ask you," he began.

News & Media

The New York Times

"Please, I would like to ask you a question if I may," he said hesitantly.

News & Media

The Guardian

Williams driver Rubens Barrichello tweeted: "I would like to ask you for your best wishes to Kubica.

News & Media

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Q: I'd like to ask you about food.

News & Media

Independent

I would like to ask David Cameron.

News & Media

The Guardian

I would like to ask Borukhova, but I can't.

News & Media

The New Yorker

I'd like to ask about Michael Jackson.

News & Media

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

✓ Best practice

When using "I would like to ask you", clearly state the purpose of your inquiry to avoid ambiguity. Be direct and concise with your question or request.

⚠ Common error

Avoid using "I would like to ask you" as a mere filler. Ensure it introduces a relevant and well-defined question or request. If there is no clear question, consider rephrasing to a more direct statement or request.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I would like to ask you" is to introduce a question or a request. It serves as a polite preamble before posing a question, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples where the phrase precedes various types of inquiries.

Expression frequency: Very common

✓ Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

13%

⚠ Less common in

Wiki

Reference

Social Media

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I would like to ask you" is a very common and grammatically correct way to introduce a question or request. According to Ludwig, it is widely used in news, science, and formal business contexts. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase purposefully and ensure it introduces a relevant question, maintaining a polite and professional tone. Consider alternatives like "may I ask you" or "I'd like to inquire" for more formal scenarios.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

May I ask you

This alternative is a more concise and polite way to request permission to ask something.

Could I ask you

This alternative offers a slightly more formal tone when seeking information.

I'd like to inquire

This alternative provides a more formal and professional way to ask a question.

I'm wondering if I could ask you

This alternative softens the request with an introductory phrase.

I have a question for you

This alternative is a direct way to indicate you have a question.

Would you mind if I asked you

This alternative is a polite way to preface a potentially intrusive question.

More alternative expressions(6)

I would like to urge you

I would like to save you

I would like to thank you

I would like to suggest you

I would love to ask you

I would like to think you

FAQs

How can I make "I would like to ask you" sound more polite?

You can soften the phrase by adding "please" or using a more indirect question structure. For example, "I would like to ask you, please, could you clarify..." or "Would you mind if I asked you about..."

What are some formal alternatives to "I would like to ask you"?

For a formal tone, consider using phrases like "I'd like to inquire" or "May I ask you". These alternatives are suitable for professional or academic settings.

Is "I want to ask you" the same as "I would like to ask you"?

While both phrases express a desire to ask a question, "I would like to ask you" is generally considered more polite and less direct than "I want to ask you". The former is preferable in most situations.

Can I use "I would like to ask you" in an email?

Yes, "I would like to ask you" is perfectly appropriate for emails, especially when initiating a request or seeking information. However, ensure your tone matches the email's context and recipient's expectations.

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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 would like to ask youGrammar usage guide and real-world examples

I would like to ask you
Grammar usage guide and real-world examples