Ask for assistance vs Ask assistance

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Ask for assistance' is more commonly used and natural in everyday language when requesting help or support. On the other hand, 'ask assistance' is less common and may sound a bit formal or old-fashioned.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 726 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when requesting help or support.

"Ask for assistance "

This phrase is used when you are seeking help or support from someone. It is a polite and common way to ask for assistance.

Examples:

I need to ask for assistance with my homework.
She decided to ask for assistance from her colleagues.
Don't hesitate to ask for assistance if you need it.
He always asks for assistance when he faces a problem.
The customer can ask for assistance at the information desk.

Show examples from the web [+]

Don't hesitate in future to ask for assistance.
Why have these three countries had to ask for assistance?
I have humbly come before you to ask for assistance in our time of need, Chancellor.
Firstly because this arrangement, aimed at fighting terrorism, is not binding because it does not force Member States either to ask for assistance or to grant it.
If the authority of a Member State could not receive information directly from another Member State because of the protection given by the Framework Decision, it could ask for assistance from an authority of a third country.
If you need anything, please ask for assistance pressing the button above the seats.
In this case you have to contact the course author and ask for assistance.
This obviously does not exclude that a Member State would also ask for assistance from other international organisations such as the IMF, with which the Commission has been closely cooperating on the latest financial support packages.
Urges the Commission to continue to monitor the functioning of the system, and to coordinate and help where needed or where national authorities ask for assistance;
Urges the Commission to continue to monitor the functioning of the system, and to coordinate and help where needed or where national authorities ask for assistance;

Alternatives:

request assistance
seek help
get support
require aid
solicit assistance

This phrase is correct but less common in modern English. It may sound formal or old-fashioned.

"Ask assistance "

This phrase can be used in a more formal or literary context. It is less commonly used in everyday language compared to 'ask for assistance'.

Show examples from the web [+]

And a large matter of debt to the gladiator barca, That I would ask assistance with...
And a large matter of debt to the gladiator barca, That I would ask assistance with...
Don't hesitate in future to ask for assistance.
I have humbly come before you to ask for assistance in our time of need, Chancellor.
If you need anything, please ask for assistance pressing the button above the seats.
In this case you have to contact the course author and ask for assistance.
Why have these three countries had to ask for assistance?
The US Administration, in doing what we have long urged, asks our assistance.
Secondly, we ask that assistance for refugees be based on the principle of solidarity and a fair distribution of responsibility.
At some point, I may call, Ask for your assistance.
We can ask for his assistance during the first break.
Where appropriate, they may ask for technical assistance to carry them out.
We ask for your assistance on that case.
We have to go to Andy and ask for her assistance.
Where the applicant authority asks for assistance which it would itself be unable to provide if so asked, it shall draw attention to that fact in its request.
This obviously does not exclude that a Member State would also ask for assistance from other international organisations such as the IMF, with which the Commission has been closely cooperating on the latest financial support packages.
Firstly because this arrangement, aimed at fighting terrorism, is not binding because it does not force Member States either to ask for assistance or to grant it.
All I ask is your assistance in handling...
It is conceded that Marks was recruited by Ml6 for three months in 1973, by someone who was indiscreet enough to ask for his assistance.
I have come to ask for your assistance on a rather delicate matter.

Alternatives:

request assistance
seek assistance
obtain help
solicit assistance
require aid

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Ask for assistance vs Ask assistance