Another word for asking

I'm asking because I have no choice.

But I fear that he was not the wiser for all I told him, for every time I attempted to answer his questions he interrupted me by asking, "What do you do here?"

I'm asking you to show a little consideration.

There was only one way to find out... well, maybe two, but asking Sarah or Giddon was probably wasted effort.

Mrs. Hutton had already written to mother, asking her to telegraph if she was willing for me to have other advisers besides herself and Teacher.