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Definition ask in British English

ask verb

verb
/ɑːsk/

The verb ask is never used with the preposition to. It takes a direct personal object, so you can:

▪ ask someone something

▪ ask someone what/where/why/how etc

✗ The speaker asks to the men how many children they have.

✓ The speaker asks the men how many children they have.

✗ It is an interesting question that every European should ask to himself.

✓ It is an interesting question that every European should ask himself.

✗ The women have to get permission, but no-one asks to the men where they are going.

✓ The women have to get permission, but no-one asks the men where they are going.

1

to speak or write to someone in order to get information from them

Example

I wondered who had given her the ring but was afraid to ask.

Example

I asked him his name, but he didn't answer.

Example

She asked me how I knew about it.

Example

Did you ask about the money?

Example

The police wanted to ask us a few questions.

Example

He ought to ask himself why nobody ever invites him.

Synonyms and related words
ask question demand
2

to speak or write to someone because you want them to give you something

Example

If you need any help, just ask.

Example

The children were asking for drinks.

Example

I think we'd better ask your mum's opinion first.

Example

Can I ask you a favour?

Synonyms and related words
ask for request insist on something
3

to expect someone to do something or give you something

Example

It's a nice house, but they're asking over half a million pounds.

Example

It's asking a lot of teenagers to expect them to see what's wrong with consumerism.

Example

All I want is five minutes' peace and quiet: is that asking too much?

Example

We ask guests not to smoke in the hotel.

Synonyms and related words
expect count on plan on
4

to say that you want something to happen, or that you want someone else to do something

Example

Then the computer will ask you to restart it.

Example

He asked us to join him.

Example

I asked to see the manager.

Example

The writer has asked not to be named.

Example

The committee has asked that this scheme be stopped for now.

Synonyms and related words
call away call on send for
5

to invite someone to do something or go somewhere with you

Example

How many people have you asked to the party?

Example

We should ask them for a meal sometime.

Example

The neighbours have asked us over for a drink.

Example

We waited for half an hour before he asked us in.

Example

They asked me to stay the night.

Synonyms and related words
ask catering disinvite
Definition ask in British English