What are the definitions of “ask out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To invite someone for a date.
He wanted to ASK her OUT but was too shy.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “ask out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb ask out is to invite someone to go on a date. It is often used when someone wants to spend time with another person in a romantic setting.
What are the different verb forms of “ask out”?
| Root Verb | ask out |
| Third Person Singular Present | asks out |
| Present Participle | asking out |
| Simple Past | asked out |
| Past Participle | asked out |
Example
He wants to ask her out but is too shy.
Example
She asks out the guy she likes.
Example
He is asking out his crush to the prom.
Example
Yesterday, she asked out her coworker to dinner.
Example
He has asked out several people before, but none of them said yes.
What kind of phrasal verb is “ask out”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“ask out” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
He asked her out on a date.
Example
She asked him out to the movies.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“ask out” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He asked her out on a date.
Example
She asked him out to the movies.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “ask out”?
Good things to know
Does “ask out” have an informal or formal tone?
Ask out is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It may not be suitable for very formal settings, where 'invite' or 'request the company of' might be more appropriate.
