# ask around

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I'll ask around my boss." but "I'll ask my boss." — the phrase is intransitive; use 'ask' alone when you have a specific person as the object.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.