ask
verb (transitive)
UK/ɑːsk/US/æsk/
to put a question to someone; to request information or a favor in a polite way
Example Sentences
She raised her hand to ask a question during the presentation.
You should ask before borrowing someone else’s belongings.
If you’re unsure about the directions, just ask someone nearby.
I had to ask my neighbor for help carrying the heavy boxes.
Don’t be afraid to ask for clarification if you don’t understand the instructions.
He planned to ask his boss for a day off next week.
As soon as the presentation ended, the audience began to ask a flurry of detailed questions, probing the speaker’s research methods and seeking additional data to support his conclusions.
Before finalizing the contract, it’s wise to ask about any hidden fees or extra services to ensure you fully understand the terms and conditions.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To request information, help, or permission through questions or promptsTo use “ask” effectively in conversation or writing, start by clarifying your objective. Do you want information, assistance, or permission? Tailor your phrasing accordingly. In casual settings, direct requests like “Can I ask you something?” or “Could you help me with this?” often suffice. For more formal contexts—such as emailing a professor or manager—introduce politeness markers and context: “I’d like to ask about the upcoming project if you have a moment.” Pay attention to tone, choosing polite, respectful language that aligns with your relationship to the person you’re addressing. Also, consider timing and setting: a request made in person allows for immediate clarifications, while written forms let the other party respond at their convenience. Finally, be concise. An overly long or vague question can confuse your listener or reader. By framing your request clearly and politely, you’ll increase the likelihood of receiving a helpful or affirmative response.
Alternatives
If you want alternatives to “ask” without repeating the same verb, consider context and tone. “Inquire” suits formal or polite settings, emphasizing a gentle request for information: “I’d like to inquire about your availability.” “Request” spotlights a specific need or service, often accompanied by details: “I’m writing to request an extension.” “Pose a question” draws attention to the act of asking for clarity on a particular topic: “He posed a question about the budget’s timeline.” “Seek” can hint at searching or pursuing information: “We hope to seek answers through this survey.” For more everyday dialogue, “wonder” can convey curiosity: “I wondered if you’d join us.” “Check” sometimes fits when verifying facts: “Let me check if that’s still available.” Each alternative shifts nuance slightly—“inquire” feels more formal, “seek” more proactive, and “wonder” more casual or reflective. By varying these terms based on your audience and objective, you’ll keep your writing or conversation fresh, ensure clarity, and highlight the nature of your request effectively. Aim to match the right word to the level of politeness, directness, or curiosity you wish to convey.
Writing
When incorporating “ask” in written form—be it emails, articles, or formal letters—precision and courtesy matter. In academic or professional papers, you might write, “The study aims to ask whether these results support our hypothesis,” clarifying your research query. That phrasing helps readers understand that an inquiry is central to your discussion. If you’re drafting a professional email, consider who you’re writing to and your goal: “I’d like to ask for your expertise on this data set.” Maintain a respectful tone by including polite language, such as “please,” “could,” or “would you mind,” especially if you’re requesting someone else’s time or resources. Keep your queries focused—ask one or two specific questions rather than overwhelming a colleague or reader with a laundry list of demands. Proofread to ensure your meaning is unambiguous. In more creative writing, “ask” can reveal a character’s curiosity or emotional state: “He asked in a trembling voice, unsure of the response.” By tailoring the word’s placement, support context with tone, and blend in clear motives, “ask” remains a straightforward yet versatile tool for directing your readers’ attention to pivotal questions or requests.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “ask” seamlessly fits scenarios that require polite or direct requests. You might say, “I’m going to ask my roommate if they want to order pizza,” signaling a straightforward inquiry. For simple favors or clarifications, short statements work well: “Ask her what time we’re leaving,” or “Could you ask Dad about the new car?” If you’re with close friends or family, be direct but considerate—“I’ll just ask him when he’s free.” In group chats or social media, slight adjustments of tone matter: “Hey, I just wanted to ask if anyone can recommend a restaurant around here?” Even in lighthearted contexts, remember that tone can be read differently via text, so adding expressions of gratitude—“Thank you in advance!”—softens the request. Conversations often move quickly, so pausing to confirm that your question is understood can prevent confusion. For instance, “Did you catch what I was asking?” This ensures clarity and shows respect for the other person’s time and focus. Overall, in day-to-day interactions, using “ask” helps keep your intentions transparent, fosters open dialogue, and encourages helpful replies.
Etymology
The verb “ask” traces back to Old English forms like “ascian” or “æscian,” which originally signified a desire to learn or obtain knowledge. Over centuries, spelling and pronunciation shifts merged these ancestral variants into the modern “ask.” In Middle English, manuscripts display multiple spellings, reflecting the linguistic fluidity of the time. Throughout the medieval period, “ask” maintained its core sense: to seek information, advice, or a favor. The Protestant Reformation and the age of printing further stabilized common words in English, including “ask,” as texts spread across Europe. Today, “ask” stands as one of the language’s most fundamental verbs, used in myriad scenarios—from politely requesting assistance to conducting formal interviews or scholarly inquiries. Its endurance underscores human curiosity and the universal need to gather insights from others. Although we now have countless synonyms and colloquial expressions, “ask” retains a crucial role in everyday speech and writing, bridging personal, professional, and academic contexts as a key component of open communication.