Ask

To put a question to someone in order to get information, an answer, or a response., To request something from someone., To invite someone to do something., To inquire or investigate about something.

Ask - Meanings

To put a question to someone in order to get information, an answer, or a response.

Example: She asked him where he was going.

Usage: formal/informalContext: everyday conversations, interviews, meetings

Note: One of the most common uses of 'ask'; used to seek information or clarification.

To request something from someone.

Example: I asked for a glass of water.

Usage: formal/informalContext: making requests, seeking assistance

Note: Used when requesting something from someone in a polite manner.

To invite someone to do something.

Example: She asked him to join her for dinner.

Usage: formal/informalContext: invitations, social gatherings

Note: Can be used to extend invitations or suggest activities to others.

To inquire or investigate about something.

Example: I asked around but no one knew the answer.

Usage: informalContext: seeking information from multiple sources

Note: Commonly used when trying to gather information from various people or sources.

Ask's synonyms

Inquire

To ask for information or seek an answer.

Example: She inquired about the availability of the product.

Note: Inquire is more formal than ask and is often used in professional or formal settings.

Request

To ask for something to be done or provided.

Example: He requested a meeting with the manager.

Note: Request implies a more formal or official ask, often involving a specific need or desire.

Query

To ask a question or express doubt about something.

Example: I have a query about the billing statement.

Note: Query is commonly used in formal or technical contexts to seek clarification or information.

Seek

To attempt to find or obtain something.

Example: They sought advice from a professional.

Note: Seek implies a more active pursuit of information, help, or guidance.

Interrogate

To question someone thoroughly or aggressively.

Example: The detective interrogated the suspect.

Note: Interrogate is a more intense form of asking, often associated with investigations or formal questioning.

Ask expressions, common phrases

Ask for

To request or demand something from someone.

Example: I'm going to ask for a raise at work.

Note: This phrase adds the element of requesting or demanding something specifically.

Ask around

To inquire or seek information from multiple people.

Example: I asked around, but no one seems to know where the party is.

Note: This phrase implies seeking information from different sources or people.

Ask out

To invite someone on a date or social outing.

Example: He finally built up the courage to ask her out on a date.

Note: This phrase specifically refers to inviting someone on a date.

Ask after

To inquire about someone's well-being or situation.

Example: She asked after your health when I saw her yesterday.

Note: This phrase is used to inquire specifically about someone's condition or status.

Ask around for

To seek or request information or suggestions from multiple sources.

Example: I'm asking around for recommendations for a good restaurant.

Note: This phrase combines the idea of seeking information from various sources with the notion of making a request or seeking recommendations.

Ask for it

To provoke a negative response or consequence by one's actions.

Example: If you keep teasing him, you're going to ask for it.

Note: This phrase implies knowingly or unknowingly provoking a negative outcome.

Ask no questions

To not inquire or seek answers about something.

Example: He walked in and handed me the package, asking no questions.

Note: This phrase emphasizes the act of refraining from asking questions or seeking further information.

Ask for trouble

To behave in a way that is likely to result in problems or conflict.

Example: If you keep driving recklessly, you're just asking for trouble.

Note: This phrase suggests knowingly engaging in actions that are likely to lead to negative consequences.

Ask everyday (slang) expressions

Hit up

To contact or approach someone with a request or question.

Example: I'll hit up my friend to ask for help with the project.

Note: This slang term implies a more casual and informal way of asking compared to 'ask.'

Pick someone's brain

To ask someone for their opinions, ideas, or expertise on a particular topic.

Example: I need to pick your brain about the upcoming presentation.

Note: This slang term suggests a desire for in-depth insights and knowledge rather than just a simple question.

Beg the question

To prompt a specific question as a result of a statement or situation.

Example: His sudden appearance at the party begs the question: Why is he here?

Note: This phrase is often used to highlight a logical fallacy rather than straightforwardly asking a question.

Sound someone out

To approach someone discreetly and gradually to gather their opinions or intentions.

Example: I'll sound out my boss about the new policy changes.

Note: This phrase involves gauging someone's reactions or feelings without directly posing a question.

Pump someone for information

To relentlessly seek information or details from someone.

Example: She tried to pump him for information about the upcoming project.

Note: This slang term implies a more aggressive or persistent approach to questioning compared to a simple 'ask.'

Fish for

To subtly seek something from someone, usually compliments or information.

Example: Stop fishing for compliments and just accept the praise.

Note: This term implies a slightly manipulative or indirect way of seeking what one wants, rather than asking straightforwardly.

Prick up your ears

To show interest and attentiveness in hearing something specific.

Example: Whenever she talks about that topic, I prick up my ears to listen closely.

Note: This slang term conveys the action of paying keen attention or being alert, often in anticipation of hearing or asking about something.

Ask - Examples

Can I ask you a question?

I always ask for extra ketchup with my fries.

She asked me to help her move the furniture.

The teacher asked the students to turn in their homework.

Ask grammar

Ask - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)

Lemma: ask

Conjugations

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): asked

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): asking

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): asks

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): ask

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): ask

Syllabification and Stress

Ask Contains 1 syllables: ask

Phonetic transcription: ˈask

ask , ˈask (The red syllable is stressed)

Ask - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

Ask: 100 - 200 (Extremely common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

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