Quick Definition
Ask For — To request something; to request to speak to or see someone; to invite or deserve a negative consequence.
Meanings of Ask For
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Notes / Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Request something | She asked for a glass of water. | The most common use: to want and request something. |
| Request to see someone | He asked for the manager. | To say you want to speak to a specific person. |
| Invite trouble (idiom) | Driving that fast, you're asking for an accident. | Informal/colloquial: to behave in a way that is likely to cause problems. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| Can I ask for the bill, please? | Request the bill from a waiter. |
| She asked for help with her homework. | Requested assistance. |
| He asked for Dr Johnson at reception. | Wanted to speak to Dr Johnson. |
| If you leave your bag there, you're asking for it to be stolen. | Inviting a bad outcome through carelessness. |
| The students asked for more time to complete the exam. | Made a formal request for extra time. |
| Don't ask for trouble — just apologise. | Advising not to provoke a problem. |
| She always asks for feedback after presentations. | Routinely requests comments. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: Inseparable | Transitivity: Transitive
Inseparable: The particle for cannot be separated from ask. The object always follows for.
Correct: ask for the bill / ask for it
Incorrect: ask the bill for
Object placement: Noun and pronoun objects both follow for — "ask for him", "ask for the receipt".
How to Use Ask For
Extremely versatile across all registers. The meaning shifts slightly depending on context, so pay attention to what follows for.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Formal / Written | I am writing to ask for clarification on your recent proposal. |
| Neutral / Professional | Please ask for assistance at the front desk. |
| Informal / Spoken | Can you ask for a table near the window? |
| Colloquial (idiom) | He was asking for it with that attitude. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Ask For
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Ask For
What does "ask for" mean?
"Ask for" has three main meanings: to request something (ask for help), to request to speak to someone (ask for the manager), and informally to invite a negative consequence (you're asking for trouble). It is an inseparable transitive phrasal verb at CEFR A2.
Is "ask for" separable or inseparable?
"Ask for" is inseparable. You cannot put the object between "ask" and "for". Say ask for the bill, never ask the bill for.
How do I use "ask for" in a sentence?
She asked for a glass of water. The object always follows for. For pronouns: He asked for it (where "it" follows "for").
What is the register of "ask for"?
"Ask for" is neutral and extremely common in both formal and informal contexts. In formal writing "request" may replace it, but "ask for" is perfectly acceptable in professional emails and speech.
What CEFR level is "ask for"?
"Ask for" is an A2 — Elementary phrasal verb. It is one of the first phrasal verbs learners encounter because it covers basic requests in everyday situations.
What is the difference between "ask for" and "ask"?
"Ask" alone introduces a question or a person: ask a question, ask her. "Ask for" introduces the thing being requested: ask for advice, ask for John. The preposition "for" is required when the object is the thing you want.
Can "ask for" be used formally?
Yes. "Ask for" is appropriate in formal contexts: I am writing to ask for further information. In very formal documents, "request" is preferred, but "ask for" is never incorrect.
Does "ask for" take an object?
Yes, "ask for" is always transitive. The object follows "for": ask for a refund, ask for him. It cannot be used without an object.
How can I practise "ask for"?
Use LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Find the Match exercises to practise "ask for" in real sentence contexts. Practising in context helps reinforce the preposition "for".
Is "ask for" used differently in British and American English?
"Ask for" is used identically in British and American English. The idiomatic phrase "asking for it" (deserving a bad outcome) may sound slightly more colloquial in American English, but the core phrasal verb is universal.