ask

askverb

To ask is to put a question to someone, to request something, or to invite someone.

1. put a questionput a question to someone in order to get information

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object [V + obj] verb + two objects [V + obj + obj] verb + wh-clause [V + wh] verb + object + wh-clause [V + obj + wh]

   • Can I ask you something? V + obj + obj
   • She asked me where I was going. V + obj + wh
   • He asked a lot of questions. V + obj
   • Just ask if you're not sure.

   Collocations

   verb + noun ask a question

   Antonyms answer

   Compare tell

2. requestsay that you want someone to do something or give you something

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object + to-infinitive [V + obj + to-inf] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj] verb + two objects [V + obj + obj] verb + to-infinitive [V + to-inf]

   • I asked her to close the window. V + obj + to-inf
   • He asked for more time to finish the report. V + prep + obj
   • Can you ask him for a favor? V + prep + obj
   • She asked to see the manager. V + to-inf

   Collocations

   phrase ask someone for a favor, ask a favor of someone

   Synonyms request

3. inviteask someone to come to a place or an event, or to take part in something

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] verb + object + to-infinitive [V + obj + to-inf]

   • They asked us to the wedding. V + obj
   • She asked him to dinner. V + obj
   • Did you ask your friends over this weekend? V + obj
   • He never asked her out.

   Collocations

   phrase ask someone out, ask someone over

See also question