ask after: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “ask after” mean?
To enquire about someone's health, well-being, or situation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To enquire about someone's health, well-being, or situation.
To make polite enquiries about someone, often to a third party, showing concern or maintaining social connection.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British English. In American English, 'ask about' is more frequent for the same meaning.
Connotations
In British English, it carries a connotation of polite, often formulaic, social enquiry. In American English, it might sound slightly formal or old-fashioned.
Frequency
High frequency in UK; medium-low frequency in US.
Grammar
How to Use “ask after” in a Sentence
[Subject] + ask after + [Object Pronoun/NP] (e.g., He asked after you.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ask after” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Several neighbours asked after you while you were in hospital.
- Do remember to ask after his wife when you see him.
American English
- My aunt always asks after you when we talk. (Less common)
- He asked about you at the reunion. (More common alternative)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to maintain client relationships, e.g., 'A client from London asked after you in the meeting.'
Academic
Rare in formal academic writing; may appear in informal correspondence.
Everyday
Very common in social conversations, e.g., 'Mum asked after you when I called.'
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ask after”
- Using 'ask for' instead (which means to request).
- Using it to mean asking a question of the person directly, e.g., 'I asked after her about the project.' (Incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Ask after' is a fixed phrasal verb meaning to enquire about a person. For a later question, use 'ask later' or 'ask afterwards'.
It is neutral to informal. It is common in spoken English and personal correspondence.
'Ask about' is broader and can refer to topics or people. 'Ask after' is specific to people and implies polite, often social, concern.
A typical response is 'That was kind of them,' 'Please send them my regards,' or 'I hope they are well too.'
To enquire about someone's health, well-being, or situation.
Ask after: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːsk ˌɑːf.tə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæsk ˌæf.tɚ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Send my regards (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of AFTER someone's well-being. You're asking ABOUT them, coming AFTER the fact of not seeing them.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOCIAL CONNECTION IS A MESSAGE PASSED ALONG A CHAIN.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary implication of 'ask after'?