What are the definitions of “ask about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Ask how someone is doing, especially professionally and in terms of health.
He ASKED ABOUT my father.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “ask about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb ask about is to inquire about someone's well-being, health, or professional life. It is often used to show concern or interest in someone's life.
What are the different verb forms of “ask about”?
| Root Verb | ask about |
| Third Person Singular Present | asks about |
| Present Participle | asking about |
| Simple Past | asked about |
| Past Participle | asked about |
Example
I always ask about my friends when I see them.
Example
She asks about her colleagues' health during meetings.
Example
He is asking about his friend's new job.
Example
Yesterday, they asked about my family's well-being.
Example
She has asked about your health several times.
What kind of phrasal verb is “ask about”?
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 about” 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
She asked about my father.
Example
He asked about my new job.
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 about” 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
She asked about my father.
Example
He asked about my new job.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “ask about”?
Good things to know
Does “ask about” have an informal or formal tone?
Ask about is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal situations, such as business meetings or professional correspondence.
