Using The English Verb “Ask” Correctly in Spoken English. - Free English Grammar lessons
“Ask” is one of the most common verbs used in spoken English conversation, but there are a few Grammar rules that you need to remember when you use it while speaking English. In this free spoken English lesson Ceema explains 5 ways to use the English verb “ask” correctly in spoken English.
1.ASK (SOMEONE) FOR + OBJECT
Use “ask for” with the object you want to receive:
I asked the boy for a pencil.
I asked him for a glass of water.
My daughter asked for a Xbox for Christmas.
You can also use ask (someone) for when the thing you want to receive is not a physical object:
I asked my brother for some help with the homework.
I’m going to ask my brother for advice.
Let’s ask the immigration agent for information.
2. ASK (SOMEONE) ABOUT + TOPIC
Use “ask about” with a topic that you want information about:
I asked the school administrator about the final exam.
I asked my boss about his trip to India.
My client asked me about the project.
Let’s call and ask the call center about flights to the USA.
3. ASK (SOMEONE) + QUESTION
You can also use the structure “ask (someone)” followed by the actual question you asked, using who, what, when, where, how, why:
I asked my students who had made the mess in the classroom.
Michelle asked me what I like to do on the holidays.
Let’s ask when the next train is arriving.
I asked John where he had bought his shoes.
Use ask… if for yes/no questions
I asked her if she likes to cook.
Let’s ask the waiter if there are any dinner specials.
4. ASK (SOMEONE) TO + VERB
Use this structure when you want a person to do something (or not to do something)
My mother asked me to clean my room.
I asked my secretary to print out the report.
They asked us not to make so much noise in the library.
The doctor asked me not to eat for 12 hours before the surgery.
“Ask” is one of the most common verbs used in spoken English conversation, but there are a few Grammar rules that you need to remember when you use it while speaking English. In this free spoken English lesson Ceema explains 5 ways to use the English verb “ask” correctly in spoken English.
1.ASK (SOMEONE) FOR + OBJECT
Use “ask for” with the object you want to receive:
I asked the boy for a pencil.
I asked him for a glass of water.
My daughter asked for a Xbox for Christmas.
You can also use ask (someone) for when the thing you want to receive is not a physical object:
I asked my brother for some help with the homework.
I’m going to ask my brother for advice.
Let’s ask the immigration agent for information.
2. ASK (SOMEONE) ABOUT + TOPIC
Use “ask about” with a topic that you want information about:
I asked the school administrator about the final exam.
I asked my boss about his trip to India.
My client asked me about the project.
Let’s call and ask the call center about flights to the USA.
3. ASK (SOMEONE) + QUESTION
You can also use the structure “ask (someone)” followed by the actual question you asked, using who, what, when, where, how, why:
I asked my students who had made the mess in the classroom.
Michelle asked me what I like to do on the holidays.
Let’s ask when the next train is arriving.
I asked John where he had bought his shoes.
Use ask… if for yes/no questions
I asked her if she likes to cook.
Let’s ask the waiter if there are any dinner specials.
4. ASK (SOMEONE) TO + VERB
Use this structure when you want a person to do something (or not to do something)
My mother asked me to clean my room.
I asked my secretary to print out the report.
They asked us not to make so much noise in the library.
The doctor asked me not to eat for 12 hours before the surgery.
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