What does the phrasal verb “ask for” mean?

What are the definitions of “ask for”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. To provoke a negative reaction.

  You're ASKING FOR trouble.

• 2. Request to have or be given.

  I ASKED FOR the menu.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “ask for”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb ask for is to request something or to ask someone to give you something. For example, you can ask for help, advice, or information.

What are the different verb forms of “ask for”?

Root Verb	ask for
Third Person Singular Present	asks for
Present Participle	asking for
Simple Past	asked for
Past Participle	asked for

Example

Can you ask for the bill, please?

Example

She always asks for extra ketchup with her fries.

Example

He is asking for directions to the nearest gas station.

Example

Yesterday, I asked for a day off from work.

Example

She had asked for a glass of water before the meeting started.

What kind of phrasal verb is “ask for”?

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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 for” 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 for help with his homework.

Example

She asked for a glass of water.

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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 for” 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 for help with his homework.

Example

She asked for a glass of water.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “ask for”?

Ask for trouble

To do something that is likely to cause problems or difficulties.

Example

If you keep skipping classes, you're asking for trouble.

Ask for it

To provoke a negative reaction or deserve a negative outcome.

Example

He was being rude to the teacher, so he was really asking for it when he got detention.

Ask for someone's hand in marriage

To formally request permission to marry someone, usually from their parents or guardians.

Example

He nervously asked for her father's permission to marry her.

Good things to know

Does “ask for” have an informal or formal tone?

Ask for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as business meetings or official requests.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “ask for”?

Synonyms

• request
• inquire
• seek
• demand
• desire
• appeal
• solicit

Antonyms for {keyword}

• offer
• provide
• supply
• give
• grant
• bestow