Language Research

ask · verb

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ask (QUESTION)

A1 I or T to say a question to someone which you want them to answer

Dictionary examples:

She asked me a question.

Can I ask you something?

She asked me about my parents.

I asked why the plane was so late.

"Why is Sara crying?" he asked.

Learner example:

You asked me about a day at college. (Skills for Life (Entry 1); A1; German)

ask (INVITE)

A2 T to invite someone to do something

Dictionary examples:

I've asked David to the party.

I've asked David to come to the party.

"Are you going to Muriel's party?" "No, I haven't been asked."

Ian's asked us over for dinner next Friday.

Ian's asked us to dinner next Friday.

In fact they've asked us to stay for the whole weekend.

Learner example:

Thank you for asking me to your wedding. (Skills for Life (Entry 2); A2; Thai)

ask (REQUEST)

B1 I or T to say something to someone because you want them to do something

Dictionary example:

They've asked me to look after their dog while they're away.

Learner example:

I want to apologize for not going to your class tomorrow, it's not that I don't want to go but my mother asked me to take care of my sister because she is s[ic]k and my parents have to work. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

ask (WANT SOMETHING)

B1 I or T to say something to someone because you want them to give you something

Dictionary examples:

He's asked for a bike for his birthday.

He's asked us for a new bike.

Learner example:

I can ask my parents for a stereo for Christmas, but I'm not sure if they will agree or not. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Russian)

ask (WANT PERMISSION)

B1 I or T to say something to someone because you want to know if you can do something

Dictionary example:

Bruce asked if he could stay with us for a few days.

Learner example:

I am going to travel with my girlfriend Anna, so I am writing you this email to ask if you can lend me your bicycle for a week. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Portuguese)

Don't ask!

B2 said when someone asks you about an experience that was very bad

Dictionary example:

"How was the meeting?" "Don't ask!"

Learner example:

Don't ask me how the concert was! (First Certificate in English; B2; Spanish)

Don't ask me

B2 used to tell someone that you do not know the answer to a question and that you are surprised they have asked you

Dictionary example:

"So why would she leave such a good job?" "Don't ask me!"

if you ask me

C2 said when giving your opinion on something

Dictionary example:

If you ask me, he doesn't really care about his friends.

Learner example:

If you ask me, the things that matter in a job are the people [you] work with and feeling happy about the work you are doing. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Russian)

ask yourself sth

C2 to think about something carefully

Dictionary example:

You've got to ask yourself whether it's what you really want.

Learner example:

You have to ask yourself what life is worth in these situations. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Dutch)