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Phrasal verbs "ask about" vs "ask for"

Differences between ask about and ask for

Ask about is used when you want to know more information about something or someone. Ask for is used when you want to request something from someone.

Meanings and Definitions: ask about vs ask for

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Ask about

  • 1Ask how someone is doing, especially professionally and in terms of health.

    He ASKED ABOUT my father.

Ask for

  • 1To provoke a negative reaction.

    You're ASKING FOR trouble.

  • 2Request to have or be given.

    I ASKED FOR the menu.

Usage Examples: ask about, ask for in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

ask about

Example

I always ask about my friends when I see them.

Example

She asks about her colleagues' health during meetings.

ask for

Example

Can you ask for the bill, please?

Example

She always asks for extra ketchup with her fries.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Ask about

inquire about

To ask for information or clarification about something.

Example

I need to inquire about the availability of the product before placing an order.

find out about

To discover or obtain information about something.

Example

She went to the library to find out about the history of her hometown.

get the details on

To obtain specific information or facts about something.

Example

I need to get the details on the project before presenting it to the team.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Ask for

request

To ask for something politely or formally.

Example

He requested a meeting with his supervisor to discuss his performance review.

demand

To ask for something forcefully or with authority.

Example

The protesters demanded justice for the victims of police brutality.

beg for

To ask for something desperately or urgently.

Example

He had to beg for money to pay his rent after losing his job.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Differences in ask about vs ask for: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: ask about or ask for?

Both ask about and ask for are commonly used in daily conversation. However, ask for is more frequently used than ask about because it is used in a wider range of situations.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of ask about and ask for

Ask about and ask for are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, in more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more professional tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of ask about and ask for

The tone of ask about and ask for can differ based on context. Ask about often carries a curious or interested tone when related to gathering information, while ask for typically has a direct and assertive tone, especially when making a request.

ask about & ask for: Synonyms and Antonyms

Ask about

Synonyms

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