1 A2 neutral
To make a request for something you want.
"Don't be afraid to ask for help if you don't understand the instructions."
“
Ask for what you want and be prepared to get it.
— Maya Angelou (widely attributed quotation)
inseparable
ask for
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To request something, or to request to speak to a specific person.
In plain English
Say that you want something, or say you want to speak to a particular person.
What does "ask for" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
To request to speak to or see a specific person.
"When you arrive at reception, ask for Dr. Walsh."
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
To behave in a way that makes something negative likely to happen (similar to 'ask for it').
"Leaving your wallet on the table like that is just asking for trouble."
inseparable
Usage tip
One of the most fundamental phrasal verbs in English. Used in almost every situation where a request is made. 'Ask for' is also used to mean inviting trouble, as in 'you're asking for it' (see 'ask for it'). Very high frequency across all registers.
Words that pair with "ask for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
help advice permission directions the bill a refund
How to conjugate "ask for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ask for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
asks for
he/she/it
Past simple
asked for
yesterday
Past participle
asked for
have + pp
-ing form
asking for
continuous
Hear "ask for" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "ask for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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