ask for
HighNeutral (Used across formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
To request or solicit something from someone.
To behave in a way that is likely to lead to (a particular, usually negative, outcome or reaction).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
A phrasal verb with a literal meaning of requesting and a figurative meaning of inviting or courting consequences.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or core use. Minor differences in colloquial expressions (e.g., 'asking for a friend').
Connotations
Identical across both variants.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] + ask for + [Object (Noun/Noun Phrase)][Subject] + ask + [Indirect Object] + for + [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “ask for the moon”
- “asking for trouble/it”
- “don't ask for whom the bell tolls”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Formally requesting resources, approvals, or information: 'We need to ask for an extension on the deadline.'
Academic
Seeking clarification or references: 'The student asked for further reading on the topic.'
Everyday
Common requests in daily life: 'I'll ask for the bill.'
Technical
Used in computing (e.g., a program asks for user input).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He decided to ask for his money back after the disappointing service.
- Driving that fast in the rain is just asking for trouble.
American English
- She asked for a raise during her performance review.
- You're asking for it if you keep teasing the dog.
adjective
British English
- The much-asked-for report was finally published.
- It was the ask-for item on every child's Christmas list.
American English
- The long-asked-for parking lot repairs began this week.
- She's the most asked-for consultant in the department.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Can I ask for a glass of water?
- He asked for his mum.
- You should ask for directions if you're lost.
- I need to ask my boss for a day off.
- The investigation asked for greater transparency from the company.
- Neglecting your studies is asking for poor grades.
- The protestors are asking for a complete overhaul of the policy.
- His cavalier attitude towards safety regulations was asking for a catastrophic accident.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a knight ASKing the king FOR permission to embark on a quest. The action (asking) is directed FOR a specific thing.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A TRANSFER (You transfer your request to someone). / NEGLIGENCE IS INVITING (You 'invite' trouble by your actions).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'спрашивать для'. Use 'просить' + Genitive case or 'спрашивать' + Accusative for asking a question.
- Confusion with 'ask about' (спрашивать о) vs. 'ask for' (просить).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I asked to him for help.' Correct: 'I asked him for help.' or 'I asked for help from him.'
- Incorrect: 'She asked for open the window.' Correct: 'She asked for the window to be opened.' / 'She asked me to open the window.'
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'ask for' CORRECTLY in its figurative sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an inseparable phrasal verb. The object always comes after 'for'. (Correct: 'ask for help'. Incorrect: 'ask help for').
'Ask for' means to request an object or action ('ask for water'). 'Ask about' means to request information concerning a topic ('ask about the schedule').
Yes, in its figurative sense, it often means to behave in a way that provokes a negative outcome (e.g., 'ask for trouble').
Pronouns (it, them, etc.) are used as the object of 'for': 'I asked for it.' 'She asked for them.'