Phrasal verb
ask for
Definition
phrasal verb. to say that you want something or want someone to give you something.
phrasal verb. to request something; a transitive phrasal verb where the object represents the desired item, service, or person.
Examples
“You should ask for the bill now.”
“If you are lost in the city, you can always ask for directions at a hotel.”
“The union leaders decided to ask for a significant pay increase during the next round of negotiations with the management team.”
Examples
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.”
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'.
Confusables
Ask is for questions and information; ask for is for requesting a physical object or a specific action.
RememberAsk a question. Ask for a thing.
Order is for commercial transactions where you pay for a specific item; ask for is a general request for anything.
RememberOrder = Buy. Ask for = Request.
Request is a formal transitive verb, while ask for is the standard phrasal verb for everyday needs.
RememberRequest is for the office; ask for is for the coffee shop.
Phrasal verb
Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
ask + (someone) + for + object