top of page

The English Challenge: Use of the Phrasal Verb ASK

To request or invite someone to go somewhere with you or to come to your home.


To put a question to someone, or to request an answer from someone.


To speak or write to someone saying that you want them to do something.


To give you something, or to allow you to do something





-ASK ABOUT


Meaning: Ask how someone is doing, especially professionally and in terms of health


(Inseparable | International English)


» Example: He ASKED ABOUT my father.


-ASK AFTER 


Meaning: Enquire about someone's health, how life is going


(Inseparable | International English)


» Example: Jenny rang earlier and ASKED AFTER you, so I told her you were fine.


-ASK AROUND


Meaning: Ask a number of people for information of help


(Intransitive | International English)


» Example: I have no idea, but I'll ASK AROUND at work and see if anyone can help.


Meaning: Invite someone


(Separable [obligatory] | International English)


» Example: We ASKED them AROUND for dinner.


-ASK FOR


Meaning: To provoke a negative reaction


(Inseparable | International English)


» Example: You're ASKING FOR trouble.


Meaning: Request to have or be given


(Inseparable | International English)


» Example: I ASKED FOR the menu.


-ASK IN


Meaning: To invite somebody into your house


(Separable [obligatory] | International English)


» Example: 'Jon's at the door.' 'ASK him IN.'


-ASK OUT


Meaning: To invite someone for a date


(Separable [obligatory] | International English)


» Example: He wanted to ASK her OUT but was too shy.


-ASK OVER


Meaning: Invite


(Separable [optional] | International English)


» Example: They have ASKED us OVER for drinks on Friday.


-ASK ROUND


Meaning: Invite someone


(Separable [obligatory] | International English)


» Example: We ASKED John ROUND for diner.




Comments


bottom of page