English Reference

Phrasal verb

ask around

Definition

phrasal verb. you use this when you ask many people the same question to find information. It is a great way to find a good doctor or a new job.

phrasal verb. to query multiple individuals within a social or professional circle to gather information or recommendations. The verb functions intransitively to describe the act of gathering information from various sources.

Examples

“I need a new mechanic, so I will ask around.”

“After losing his wallet at the park, he decided to ask around to see if anyone had turned it in to the lost and found.”

“The investigative journalist spent weeks asking around the docks, hoping to find a witness willing to speak about the smuggling operation.”

Examples

simple

“I need a new mechanic, so I will ask around.”

contextual

“After losing his wallet at the park, he decided to ask around to see if anyone had turned it in to the lost and found.”

complex

“The investigative journalist spent weeks asking around the docks, hoping to find a witness willing to speak about the smuggling operation.”

Usage

this phrase is almost always used without a direct object.

Teaching tip

use this to teach the concept of 'intransitive phrasal verbs' where the action doesn't pass to a specific person in the sentence.

Pitfall

I'll ask around my boss.

I'll ask my boss.

the phrase is intransitive; use 'ask' alone when you have a specific person as the object.

Phrasal verb

Particles

around

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

ask + around

Synonyms

inquirecheck aroundpollcanvass

Antonyms

keep quiet

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference