ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ask for sth

phr. v..
A1 Beginner Oxford

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

phr. v.. To make a request for an object, service, or abstract thing; this phrasal verb is transitive and inseparable.


SIMPLE

She asks for a glass of water.

CONTEXTUAL

If you don't understand the instructions, you should ask for clarification from your teacher.

COMPLEX

Even though the kingdom was on the verge of collapse, the proud monarch refused to ask for aid from neighboring realms.

Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
ask + for + object
Usage

The word or phrase that comes after 'for' is the item being requested.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'request' (more formal) and 'demand' (stronger and less polite); 'ask for' is the most neutral and common choice.

Pitfall

He asked the menu.He asked for the menu.The preposition 'for' is required after 'ask' when you are requesting an object.

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