ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ask for

phr. v..
A1 Beginner Oxford

phr. v.. to say that you want something or want someone to give you something.

phr. v.. to request something; a transitive phrasal verb where the object represents the desired item, service, or person.


SIMPLE

You should ask for the bill now.

CONTEXTUAL

If you are lost in the city, you can always ask for directions at a hotel.

COMPLEX

The union leaders decided to ask for a significant pay increase during the next round of negotiations with the management team.

Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
ask + (someone) + for + object
Usage

the object is usually a noun representing a thing, a price, or a specific person.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'ask' (to pose a question); 'ask for' specifically targets the acquisition of an object or service.

Pitfall

I asked to the waiter for water.I asked the waiter for water.do not use 'to' before the person you are speaking to; the pattern is 'ask someone for something'.

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