1 A2 informal
To invite someone who is outside to come into your home or a building.
"Don't leave them standing on the doorstep — ask them in!"
separable
ask in
A2 informal separable transitive
To invite someone to come inside your home or a building.
In plain English
Invite someone to come into your house or a room.
What does "ask in" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To ask someone to move in (through the door).
Actually means
Invite someone to come into your house or a room.
Usage tip
Very common in everyday British English. A simple, informal way of inviting someone inside. Often used when someone is at the door or just arrived. 'Won't you ask them in?' is a classic prompt from one family member to another.
Words that pair with "ask in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
neighbour guest visitor friend stranger caller
How to conjugate "ask in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
ask in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
asks in
he/she/it
Past simple
asked in
yesterday
Past participle
asked in
have + pp
-ing form
asking in
continuous
Hear "ask in" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "ask in" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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