Dictionary monolingual
English
Ask
æsk
Extremely common
100 - 200
100 - 200
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
Ask -
To put a question to someone in order to get information, an answer, or a response.
Example: She asked him where he was going.
Usage: formal/informalContext: everyday conversations, interviews, meetings
Note: One of the most common uses of 'ask'; used to seek information or clarification.
To request something from someone.
Example: I asked for a glass of water.
Usage: formal/informalContext: making requests, seeking assistance
Note: Used when requesting something from someone in a polite manner.
To invite someone to do something.
Example: She asked him to join her for dinner.
Usage: formal/informalContext: invitations, social gatherings
Note: Can be used to extend invitations or suggest activities to others.
To inquire or investigate about something.
Example: I asked around but no one knew the answer.
Usage: informalContext: seeking information from multiple sources
Note: Commonly used when trying to gather information from various people or sources.
Ask's synonyms
Inquire
To ask for information or seek an answer.
Example: She inquired about the availability of the product.
Note: Inquire is more formal than ask and is often used in professional or formal settings.
Request
To ask for something to be done or provided.
Example: He requested a meeting with the manager.
Note: Request implies a more formal or official ask, often involving a specific need or desire.
Query
To ask a question or express doubt about something.
Example: I have a query about the billing statement.
Note: Query is commonly used in formal or technical contexts to seek clarification or information.
Seek
To attempt to find or obtain something.
Example: They sought advice from a professional.
Note: Seek implies a more active pursuit of information, help, or guidance.
Interrogate
To question someone thoroughly or aggressively.
Example: The detective interrogated the suspect.
Note: Interrogate is a more intense form of asking, often associated with investigations or formal questioning.
Ask expressions, common phrases
Ask for
To request or demand something from someone.
Example: I'm going to ask for a raise at work.
Note: This phrase adds the element of requesting or demanding something specifically.
Ask around
To inquire or seek information from multiple people.
Example: I asked around, but no one seems to know where the party is.
Note: This phrase implies seeking information from different sources or people.
Ask out
To invite someone on a date or social outing.
Example: He finally built up the courage to ask her out on a date.
Note: This phrase specifically refers to inviting someone on a date.
Ask after
To inquire about someone's well-being or situation.
Example: She asked after your health when I saw her yesterday.
Note: This phrase is used to inquire specifically about someone's condition or status.
Ask around for
To seek or request information or suggestions from multiple sources.
Example: I'm asking around for recommendations for a good restaurant.
Note: This phrase combines the idea of seeking information from various sources with the notion of making a request or seeking recommendations.
Ask for it
To provoke a negative response or consequence by one's actions.
Example: If you keep teasing him, you're going to ask for it.
Note: This phrase implies knowingly or unknowingly provoking a negative outcome.
Ask no questions
To not inquire or seek answers about something.
Example: He walked in and handed me the package, asking no questions.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the act of refraining from asking questions or seeking further information.
Ask for trouble
To behave in a way that is likely to result in problems or conflict.
Example: If you keep driving recklessly, you're just asking for trouble.
Note: This phrase suggests knowingly engaging in actions that are likely to lead to negative consequences.
Ask everyday (slang) expressions
Hit up
To contact or approach someone with a request or question.
Example: I'll hit up my friend to ask for help with the project.
Note: This slang term implies a more casual and informal way of asking compared to 'ask.'
Pick someone's brain
To ask someone for their opinions, ideas, or expertise on a particular topic.
Example: I need to pick your brain about the upcoming presentation.
Note: This slang term suggests a desire for in-depth insights and knowledge rather than just a simple question.
Beg the question
To prompt a specific question as a result of a statement or situation.
Example: His sudden appearance at the party begs the question: Why is he here?
Note: This phrase is often used to highlight a logical fallacy rather than straightforwardly asking a question.
Sound someone out
To approach someone discreetly and gradually to gather their opinions or intentions.
Example: I'll sound out my boss about the new policy changes.
Note: This phrase involves gauging someone's reactions or feelings without directly posing a question.
Pump someone for information
To relentlessly seek information or details from someone.
Example: She tried to pump him for information about the upcoming project.
Note: This slang term implies a more aggressive or persistent approach to questioning compared to a simple 'ask.'
Fish for
To subtly seek something from someone, usually compliments or information.
Example: Stop fishing for compliments and just accept the praise.
Note: This term implies a slightly manipulative or indirect way of seeking what one wants, rather than asking straightforwardly.
Prick up your ears
To show interest and attentiveness in hearing something specific.
Example: Whenever she talks about that topic, I prick up my ears to listen closely.
Note: This slang term conveys the action of paying keen attention or being alert, often in anticipation of hearing or asking about something.
Ask - Examples
Can I ask you a question?
I always ask for extra ketchup with my fries.
She asked me to help her move the furniture.
The teacher asked the students to turn in their homework.
Ask grammar
Ask - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: ask
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): asked
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): asking
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): asks
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): ask
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): ask
Syllables, Separation and Stress
Ask Contains 1 syllables: ask
Phonetic transcription: ˈask
ask , ˈask (The red syllable is stressed)
Ask - Importance and usage frequency
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
Ask: 100 - 200 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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