ask
Use “ask” as a verb for questions or to talk about questions.
- Do you mind if I ask you something?
- May I ask you a question.
- I have a question to ask.
- She keeps asking questions.
- He would like to ask a question.
a. ask = get information
Why do people use the word “ask”? The main reason is it refers to a question.
- Students ask questions in class.
- It’s good to ask questions.
- Do you know how to ask questions in English?
- I’d like to ask you a question.
- Do you mind if I ask you a question?
a. ask = get information
- She asks a lot of questions in class.
- He’s asking the professor a question.
b. using "ask" in a question
Here are some ways to use “ask” when you have a question for another person:
- May I ask you a question? (This is the polite, formal version.)
- Can I ask you question? (This is what most people say.)
- Do you mind if I ask you a question? (Very polite!)
- I’d like to ask a question if you don’t mind.
- I have a question.
- I have a question to ask.
- There’s a question I’d like to ask.
b. using "ask" in a question
- A: Do you mind if I ask you a question?
- B: No, I don’t mind. What do you want to know?
c. using "ask" in expressions
Here are some ways to use “ask” when you have a question for another person:
- He’s asking for trouble. (Someone is doing something foolish, dangerous, or illegal.)
- You’re really asking for it. (This is a warning of consequences of bad behavior.)
- I’ll ask around to see if anyone knows anything. (ask around = ask other people)
- That’s a big ask. (a big ask = a big request, almost too big)
- I wish I had the never to ask her out. (ask out = invite a person to an activity, usually romantically motivated)
- Please, don’t ask! (Said in response to a question a person really doesn’t want to answer: How did the meeting go? –> Please, don’t ask.)
c. using "ask" in expressions
- He was asking for trouble, and he found it.
- A: How was your trip to the dentist?
- B: Please, don’t ask. It didn’t go well.