3 ms·

What's the difference between an ask and a request?

• AlbertCory 5y ago
  Pithy statement of the principle (more often ignored than followed) of: Don't invent a new word when there's a perfectly good one already available. "What's the difference between a learning and a lesson?" would be another good question.
• gkop 5y ago
  No difference
• HWR_14 5y ago
  > What's the difference between an ask and a request? An "ask" is part of a business negotiation, a "request" is usually interpersonal. An "ask" invites a conversation about what it will take to make it happen (money, etc.) while a "request" invites acceptance or rejection.
• walshemj 5y ago
  In the original sense "that's a big ask" has implications that the ask is not practical and is received with a raised eyebrow. A bit like the quote from yes minister "That's very brave of you, minister. An extremely courageous decision," followed up by the explanation "Oh, yes! "Controversial" only means "this will lose you votes". "Courageous" means "this will lose you the election"!"