# ask after

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ask-after
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He asked after to me." but "He asked after me." — 'Ask after' is a transitive phrasal verb that takes a direct object without an extra preposition like 'to'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.