Word
asked
US/ˈæskt/
UK/ˈɑːskt/
Definitions
01requested information
A1 · Beginner
v. the past form of 'ask' used when you wanted to know something.
v. the past tense of 'ask' used to indicate a prior inquiry or request for information.
“I asked the teacher for help with the difficult math problem.”
“The journalist asked several probing questions during the press conference, but the spokesperson refused to provide a direct answer.”
Pitfall
She asked to me where the station was.
She asked me where the station was.
The verb 'ask' is followed directly by the person being questioned; do not use the preposition 'to'.
Synonyms
02invited
A2 · Elementary
v. the past form of 'ask' used when you invited someone to an event.
v. the past tense of 'ask' used to denote a prior invitation to a social gathering or event.
“They asked us to their wedding, but we were already busy that weekend.”
“The hosts asked several prominent local artists to the gallery opening to ensure the event received sufficient media coverage.”
03bothered or willing
C2 · Proficiency British English · Slang · Dialect
adj. a slang word used to say you are willing to do something or can be bothered to try.
adj. a dialectal variant of 'arsed', used in negative constructions to indicate a lack of motivation or willingness to perform a task.
“I couldn't be asked to cook dinner, so I just ordered a pizza.”
“He admitted he couldn't be asked to finish the report on a Friday afternoon, preferring to leave it for Monday morning.”
Usage
Almost always used in the negative phrase 'couldn't be asked'.
Teaching tip
This is a polite euphemism for 'couldn't be arsed' in British English; it is very informal and should be avoided in professional writing.
Etymology
From the close pronunciation to arsed in Received Pronunciation.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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