ask
To say something to get an answer or information from someone.
To put a question to someone in order to obtain information.
To say that you want someone to give you something or do something for you.
To express a desire for someone to give, provide, or do something.
To tell someone you want them to come or join an activity.
To suggest or request that someone come somewhere or take part in an activity.
The amount of money someone wants for something they are selling.
The amount of money or other consideration requested for something.
- Base: ask
- 3rd Person Singular: asks
- Present Participle: asking
- Past: asked
ask around
1Request info from several people
To talk to different people to get information or help.
- I don't know the answer, but I'll ask around and find out.
- She asked around to see if anyone had seen her cat.
ask out
1Invite on a date
To invite someone to go somewhere with you in a romantic way.
- He finally asked her out after weeks of hesitation.
- She was nervous when he asked her out.
don't ask
1Refuse to give details when unpleasant/complicated
Used to say that you don't want to explain something because it is bad, strange, or complicated.
- 'How was your trip?' — 'Don't ask.'
- Don't ask how much I spent on this.
if you ask me
1Give personal opinion unasked
Used before saying your personal opinion about something, especially when it wasn't directly requested.
- If you ask me, that movie was way too long.
- That was a bad decision, if you ask me.
ask for trouble
1Do something likely to cause problems
To do something that will probably cause problems for you.
- Not wearing a helmet is just asking for trouble.
- If you keep lying to her, you're asking for trouble.
ask for trouble
2Do something likely to cause trouble
To do something that will probably cause problems or danger for yourself.
- Walking alone at night in that area is just asking for trouble.
- If you don't back up your files, you're asking for trouble.