ask

/æsk/

Reviewed on

Also a noun

Meaning

  1. To say or write a question to gain information.

    • She stopped to ask a police officer for directions to the train station.

  2. To request that someone do something or provide something.

    • He decided to ask his supervisor for extra time to complete the project.

  3. To invite someone to an event, gathering, or place.

    • They decided to ask their new neighbors over for dinner on Friday.

  4. To expect or demand a particular price for goods or services.

    • The gallery owner is asking five thousand dollars for that oil painting.

How it's used

When this means “inquire”

  • ask a question

“ask it.”

The student raised her hand to ask a question about the assignment.

When this means “request”

  • ask for help

“ask for it.”

Do not hesitate to ask for help if the instructions seem unclear.

Collocations

  • ask directions
  • ask for permission
  • ask for advice
  • ask a favor

Synonyms

Antonyms

Idioms

  • ask for trouble

    to behave in a way that is likely to cause problems

    Driving that fast on icy roads is simply asking for trouble.

  • for the asking

    available simply by requesting it

    Free tickets to the concert are yours for the asking at the desk.

  • don't ask

    used to indicate that an experience was unpleasant or complicated

    How did the meeting go? Don't ask.