ask

To say or write something because you want someone to give you information.

• Ask him his name.
• I asked why the shop was closed.
• Have you asked about the price?

How to use it: ask someone something (I asked her name.); ask about something (He asked about the train times.); ask someone if/whether… (She asked me if I knew the answer.)

Similar words: inquire, enquire

Opposites: answer

Common phrases: ask a question, ask about something, ask someone something, ask why

To tell someone that you want something or want them to do something.

• Ask for help if you need it.
• He asked me to lend him some money.
• Did you ask your parents for permission?

How to use it: ask for something (He asked for a glass of water.); ask someone to do something (I asked my sister to help.); ask someone if… (She asked her dad if she could borrow the car.)

Similar words: request

Common phrases: ask for help, ask for permission, ask someone to help, ask a favor

Something that someone requests, especially something difficult or demanding.

• That is a big ask.
• Finishing by Friday would be a huge ask for the team.
• Her only ask was a quiet place to work.

Similar words: request, demand

Common phrases: big ask, huge ask, reasonable ask, small ask