Keyword: ask
Grammatical Overview
Ask is a primary reporting and causative verb. It governs prepositional request frames (ask for help), directive infinitives (ask someone to do something), and indirect inquiry clauses (ask if/whether). It is also central to common spoken discourse markers (if you ask me).
🗺️ Pattern Map (Colligation & Grammar)
Pattern 1: ask + (Person) + for + Thing (Request Frame)
- Structure:
Subject + ask + (Object) + for + [Noun Phrase] - Meaning: Requesting that someone give or supply something.
- Examples:
- Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
- He asked the landlord for an extension on the rent.
Pattern 2: ask + (Person) + to-Infinitive (Directive Frame)
- Structure:
Subject + ask + (Object) + to + Base Verb - Meaning: Requesting or instructing someone to perform an action.
- Examples:
- She asked me to close the window.
- The teacher asked the students to open their books.
Pattern 3: ask + if / whether / Wh- Clause (Inquiry Frame)
- Structure:
Subject + ask + (Object) + if / whether / wh-word + Clause - Meaning: Inquiring about information or permission indirectly.
- Examples:
- He asked if I was feeling better.
- They asked where the station was located.
🧩 Key Lexical Chunks (Collocations & Idioms)
Spoken & Written Formulaic Units
- if you ask me: In my personal opinion (used to introduce a thought).
- ask out: To invite someone on a romantic date.
- for the asking: Available to anyone who requests it.
- ask around: To ask multiple people for information or help.
🎴 Interactive Web Practice (10 Questions)
Practice 1: Did you ask the manager ______ permission?
Answer:
for
Practice 2: She asked him ______ her with the heavy bags.
Answer:
to help
Practice 3: If you ask ______ , the whole plan is too risky.
Answer:
me
Practice 4: He finally gathered the courage to ask her ______ for dinner.
Answer:
out
Practice 5: I'll ask ______ to see if anyone has a spare bicycle.
Answer:
around
Practice 6: The job is yours for the ______ if you want it.
Answer:
asking
Practice 7: She asked me ______ I had seen her keys.
Answer:
if (or whether)
Practice 8: You should never be ashamed to ask ______ directions.
Answer:
for
Practice 9: They asked the speakers ______ their answers concise.
Answer:
to keep
Practice 10: He asked where the nearest bank ______ located.
Answer:
was (or is)
🔗 Related Patterns & Chunks
- 🗺️ Pattern: ask-for — Prepositional request structures (ask for help)
- 🗺️ Pattern: ask-to-infinitive — Directive infinitival structures (ask someone to do)
- 🧩 Chunk: if-you-ask-me — Opinion discourse marker
- 🧩 Chunk: phrasal-verb-ask-out — Social/romantic invitation unit