ask
A1Neutral (used in all registers from very informal to formal, though phrasing may vary).
Definition
Meaning
To put a question to someone, seeking information, permission, or an answer.
To request something from someone; to invite someone to an event; to expect or require something (as in 'to ask a lot of someone').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb 'ask' has three primary semantic frames: 1) Ask + question (ask a question). 2) Ask + for + object (ask for help). 3) Ask + object + infinitive (ask someone to do something). The meaning shifts subtly based on the pattern used.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Mainly pronunciation (see IPA). Lexically, in American English, 'ask for' is heavily favored. In British English, 'ask' can be used without 'for' in some contexts (e.g., 'I asked a coffee', though 'asked for' is still more standard). The 'ask out' (invite on a date) pattern is more strongly associated with AmE but is fully understood in BrE.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Can imply subordination or hierarchy (e.g., child asks parent, employee asks boss).
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in both varieties, with virtually no difference in rank.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
ask (sb) sthask (sb) about sthask (sb) for sthask (sb) to do sthask if/whetherask that...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ask for trouble”
- “ask for the moon”
- “a big ask”
- “if you ask me”
- “don't ask”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for formal requests, clarifications in meetings, and seeking approvals (e.g., 'I need to ask for an extension on the deadline').
Academic
Common in constructing research questions and seeking clarification from instructors (e.g., 'The study asks whether climate affects mood').
Everyday
The most common context, for all daily inquiries and requests (e.g., 'Can I ask you a favour?').
Technical
Used in computing (e.g., 'the program asks for user input') and legal contexts (e.g., 'ask the court for relief').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Could I ask a rather personal question?
- She asked after your health.
- They've asked us round for dinner on Saturday.
American English
- I need to ask you something important.
- Don't be afraid to ask for what you want.
- He finally asked her out to the movies.
adverb
British English
- She looked at him askingly.
- He tilted his head askew. (different root, not related to 'ask')
American English
- He paused, looking askance at the proposal. (different root, not related to 'ask')
adjective
British English
- He is an ask-out sort of guy. (informal, rare)
- It was an ask-too-much situation.
American English
- It's an ask-out culture. (informal, rare)
- That's a big-ask project.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I ask my teacher for help.
- Can I ask your name?
- She asked a simple question.
- If you don't understand, just ask.
- He asked me where the station was.
- They asked for a discount.
- May I ask what prompted your decision?
- The interviewer asked me to describe my previous experience.
- It's a lot to ask, but could you work late tonight?
- The report asks fundamental questions about our economic policy.
- I must ask that you refrain from using your mobile phone.
- The salary they're offering is rather poor, given what the job asks of you.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'task' - to complete a task, you often need to ASK how to do it.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUESTIONS ARE OBJECTS (ask a question). REQUESTS ARE PHYSICAL TRANSFERS (ask for money).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'ask to somebody' (incorrect preposition). The correct pattern is 'ask somebody' or 'ask somebody a question'.
- Do not confuse 'ask' with 'say' or 'tell'. 'Ask' implies a question or request, while 'say/tell' imply statements.
- Be careful with the pattern 'ask for'. Russian speakers often omit 'for' (e.g., 'I asked water' instead of 'I asked for water').
Common Mistakes
- Pronouncing it as 'aks' (a historical but now non-standard variant).
- Using the wrong preposition: 'ask about' vs. 'ask for'.
- Using 'ask' + 'that' without subjunctive mood in formal contexts (e.g., 'He asked that she leaves' should be 'He asked that she leave').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'ask' CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Ask' is more common and neutral. 'Request' is more formal and polite, and is often used in written contexts. You 'ask' a person, but you 'request' a thing or an action (e.g., 'I requested a window seat').
No, this is incorrect. The correct patterns are 'I asked him' (if followed by a question or 'to' + verb) or 'I asked a question to him' (less common). More naturally: 'I asked him a question' or 'I asked a question of him' (formal).
Use 'ask for' when you want someone to give you something (a thing or an action): 'ask for money', 'ask for help'. Use 'ask' alone when you are posing a question ('ask a question') or using the pattern 'ask someone to do something' ('I asked her to come').
No, 'aks' (/'æks/) is a historical metathesis of 'ask' and is considered non-standard in modern English, though it persists in some dialects. For clear communication, the standard pronunciations /ɑːsk/ (BrE) and /æsk/ (AmE) should be used.
Collections
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Daily Verbs
A1 · 50 words · Essential action words used in everyday conversation.