What are the definitions of “ask around”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Ask a number of people for information of help.
I have no idea, but I'll ASK AROUND at work and see if anyone can help.
- 2Invite someone.
We ASKED them AROUND for dinner.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “ask around”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb ask around is to ask multiple people for information or help. It is often used when someone is trying to find out something or get advice from different sources.
What are the different verb forms of “ask around”?
| Root Verb | ask around |
| Third Person Singular Present | asks around |
| Present Participle | asking around |
| Simple Past | asked around |
| Past Participle | asked around |
Example
I will ask around to see if anyone knows a good plumber.
Example
She asks around for recommendations before choosing a restaurant.
Example
He is asking around to find a good tutor for his son.
Example
They asked around and found a great babysitter.
Example
I have asked around but nobody knows where he lives.
What kind of phrasal verb is “ask around”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“ask around” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I will ask around to see if anyone has seen my lost cat.
Example
She asked around for advice on buying a new car.
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 around” 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
I will ask around to see if anyone has seen my lost cat.
Example
She asked around for advice on buying a new car.
Good things to know
Does “ask around” have an informal or formal tone?
Ask around is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can be used in both casual and more formal settings, depending on the context. For example, it can be used in a business meeting to discuss gathering information from colleagues or in a casual conversation with friends.
