Phrasal Verbs With “Ask”

The English language is known for its rich vocabulary and various ways of expressing ideas. One fascinating aspect of English is the use of phrasal verbs, which are formed by combining a verb with one or more particles or prepositions. Phrasal verbs can often pose a challenge for English learners due to their nuanced meanings and the need to understand them in context. In this article, we will delve into the world of phrasal verbs with the verb “ask” [ɑːsk] and explore their meanings and usage.

Exploring Phrasal Verbs with “Ask”

Ask out – To invite someone on a date or social outing:

• Peter finally gathered the courage to ask Mary out to dinner
• Mark would like to ask her out, but he’s too shy

Ask for – To request or seek something:

• If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance
• I don’t know of any vacancies in the company but I’ll ask around
• The miners are asking for another increase in pay

Ask around – To inquire or seek information from multiple people:

• I couldn’t find the bookstore, so I asked around and finally got directions
• I don’t know of any vacancies in the company but I’ll ask around

Ask over – To invite someone to one’s home:

• We asked our neighbors over for a barbecue on Saturday

Ask after – To inquire about someone’s well-being:

• John called to ask after your health
• Tell your father I was asking after him

Ask in  – To invite someone to enter a place:

• The host asked the guests in and offered them refreshments
• I’d ask you in for a coffee but I have to get up early for work in the morning

Ask for it – To provoke or invite trouble or punishment:

• If you keep teasing the dog, you’re asking for it!

Ask around – To spread news or rumors:

• She asked around about the latest gossip in town

Ask off – To request time off from work or duty:

• I need to ask off for next Friday to attend a family event

Ask someone’s hand in marriage – To propose marriage:

• After years of dating, he finally asked her hand in marriage

Ask for trouble – To intentionally or carelessly invite problems:

• If you keep leaving your valuables unattended, you’re asking for trouble

Ask for it – To intentionally provoke a reaction or consequences:

• If you insult people, don’t be surprised if you ask for it

Ask around  – To seek advice or opinions from others:

• Before making a decision, she asked around to gather different perspectives

Ask for forgiveness – To request or seek pardon:

• After realizing his mistake, he asked for forgiveness from his friend

Ask for a raise – To request an increase in salary:

• After working diligently for a year, she asked her boss for a raise

Ask back – Utilizing the phrasal verb “ask back” opens up opportunities to extend invitations for someone to return to a specific place, group, or custom after a long or temporary absence. For instance, if you have been absent from work or a group of friends for an extended period, you can invite yourself back by expressing a desire to return.

• After a year away from colleagues, Lisa was delighted to receive an ask back to return to work

Practical Tips for Mastering Phrasal Verbs with “Ask”

Learning phrasal verbs can greatly enhance your English fluency and help you sound more natural in conversations. Here are a few tips to improve your understanding and usage of phrasal verbs with “ask“:

1. Context is key: Pay attention to how phrasal verbs are used in different contexts and try to understand their meanings based on the surrounding words and sentences.
2. Practice with examples: Use phrasal verbs in your own sentences to reinforce your understanding and make them a part of your active vocabulary.
3. Read extensively: Expose yourself to various forms of English literature, newspapers, and online articles to encounter phrasal verbs in different contexts.
4. Watch movies and TV shows: Listening to native English speakers using phrasal verbs in real-life situations can help you grasp their meanings and usage more effectively.
5. Use a dictionary or online resources: When you come across unfamiliar phrasal verbs, refer to a reliable dictionary or online resources to learn their definitions and usage.

Remember, mastering phrasal verbs takes time and practice. Be patient with yourself, and gradually incorporate them into your everyday English usage. By understanding and using phrasal verbs with “ask,” you’ll be able to express yourself more accurately and confidently in English conversations.

Video – Phrasal Verb To Ask (ask out, ask for, ask back, ask after, ask around)