Collocations for "ask"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "ask" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2025
ask
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.v
- ask [a question, questions, the right questions]
- ask [directions, nothing]
- ask him [a question, for directions]
- ask the [experts, doctor, teacher]
- ask (you) a favor
- ask a favor (of)
- asked us [about, if, whether]
- ask yourself [this, why, what]
- if you ask me
- [you can, feel free to] ask me anything
- ask [permission] to
- ask for [permission, help, nothing]
- ask for [more, seconds]
- [should, could, ought to] ask for help
- ask to be excused
- ask about your [day, work, life]
- UK: was asking after you
- [have, need, want, would like, going] to ask
- [listen, shoot] first, ask questions later
- asked whether or not
- was asked by [the teacher, a reporter]
- (just) asking for [it, trouble]
- [want to, too shy to] ask her out
- was asked out by a [boy, guy, stranger]
'ask' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
Sir
- a number of
- additionally
- adult
- advisor
- affair
- afraid
- ally
- almighty
- also
- annoyance
- anything
- aside
- assertive
- assistant
- associate
- attendant
- author
- available
- awkward
- bail
- bankrupt
- before
- best
- bind
- blessing
- bold
- boss
- bother
- brave
- call
- caller
- check
- citizen
- clarification
- clutter
- comment
- computer
- consent
- convenience
- convenient
- cooperation
- courage
- coward
- cricket
- crumb
- cue
- daddy
- dare
- dead