# ask for

CEFR A1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/ask-for
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

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

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.