Guide 13 / 200 6 swaps Formal register
Professional words for “ask”
Six verbs that tell the reader what kind of asking — polite, formal, or pointed.
i · When it mattersTwo lines, no filler
"Ask" covers a range from casual query to formal petition. Pick the one that matches the setting — a board brief is not an email to a friend.
ii · The swaps6 ways
- 01Request formal
formal ask through a channel
The vendor requested an extension.
- 02Inquire formal
ask for information — measured
A reporter inquired about the filing.
- 03Solicit formal
actively invite input or bids
Solicited feedback from three reviewers.
- 04Query formal
raise a specific question about a detail
The auditor queried the treatment of deferred revenue.
- 05Petition formal
formal request to authority
Petitioned the court for a stay.
- 06Consult formal
seek advice or position from a source
We consulted counsel before signing.