Phrasal verb
ask after
Definition
phrasal verb. to ask how someone is doing, especially about their health or general life. You use this when you want to show you care about a person who isn't there.
phrasal verb. to inquire about the health or well-being of a third party. The verb is transitive and inseparable.
Examples
“My mother always asks after you when we talk.”
“When I saw your brother at the market, he asked after your parents and their recent move.”
“Despite their long estrangement, she still occasionally asks after his welfare through mutual acquaintances.”
Examples
simple
“My mother always asks after you when we talk.”
contextual
“When I saw your brother at the market, he asked after your parents and their recent move.”
complex
“Despite their long estrangement, she still occasionally asks after his welfare through mutual acquaintances.”
Usage
The object is almost always a person or a person's health/well-being.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'ask for' (requesting something) and 'ask about' (general inquiry); 'ask after' is specifically for social politeness regarding someone's state.
Pitfall
He asked after to me.
He asked after me.
'Ask after' is a transitive phrasal verb that takes a direct object without an extra preposition like 'to'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
after
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
ask + after + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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