What are the definitions of “ask after”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Enquire about someone's health, how life is going.
Jenny rang earlier and ASKED AFTER you, so I told her you were fine.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “ask after”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb ask after is to inquire about someone's well-being, health, or life situation. It is often used when talking to a third person who knows the person you are asking about. For example, you might ask a friend how another mutual friend is doing.
What are the different verb forms of “ask after”?
| Root Verb | ask after |
| Third Person Singular Present | asks after |
| Present Participle | asking after |
| Simple Past | asked after |
| Past Participle | asked after |
Example
When I called my mom, I asked after my sister.
Example
She always asks after her friends when she talks to their parents.
Example
He is asking after his cousin, who recently moved to another city.
Example
Yesterday, I asked after my neighbor's health.
Example
She had asked after her friend's well-being during their conversation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “ask after”?
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 after” 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 after his friend's health.
Example
She asked after her colleague's family.
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 after” 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 after his friend's health.
Example
She asked after her colleague's family.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “ask after”?
Good things to know
Does “ask after” have an informal or formal tone?
Ask after is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or professional correspondence.
