Differences between ask for and send for
Ask for means to request or demand something from someone, while send for means to request someone's presence or to ask someone to come to a particular place.
Meanings and Definitions: ask for vs send for
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Ask for
- 1To provoke a negative reaction.
You're ASKING FOR trouble.
- 2Request to have or be given.
I ASKED FOR the menu.
Send for
- 1Ask someone to come and help.
I had to SEND FOR a plumber because the radiator was leaking.
Usage Examples: ask for, send for in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
ask for
Example
Can you ask for the bill, please?
Example
She always asks for extra ketchup with her fries.
send for
Example
When the car broke down, we had to send for a mechanic.
Example
She sends for a doctor when her child is sick.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Ask for
To politely or formally ask for something.
Example
She requested a copy of the report from her colleague.
To forcefully or assertively ask for something.
Example
The workers demanded better working conditions and higher wages.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Send for
To officially order someone to come to a particular place, especially for legal reasons.
Example
The court summoned the witness to testify at the trial.
To go and bring someone or something back from a particular place.
Example
She asked her assistant to fetch her laptop from the office.
Differences in ask for vs send for: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: ask for or send for?
In daily conversation, people use ask for more often than send for. This is because ask for is used in many different contexts, such as asking for help, information, or permission. On the other hand, send for is used less frequently and usually in specific situations, such as sending for a doctor or sending for someone to come to a meeting.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of ask for and send for
Ask for and send for are both informal phrases that can be used in casual conversations. However, send for may sound slightly more formal because it implies a request for someone's presence, which can be seen as more serious or urgent.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of ask for and send for
The tone of ask for and send for can differ based on context. Ask for can have a neutral or polite tone when requesting something, but it can also have a demanding or confrontational tone when demanding something. Send for usually has a more urgent or serious tone, especially when someone's presence is needed for an important reason.
