phrasal verb🧩 phrasal verb

ask for

to request something

What it means

To request something from someone, whether it's an object, information, or help. It can also mean to invite trouble through your behaviour.

Examples

  • If you don't understand the lesson, just ask for help after class.
  • She walked into the bakery and asked for a loaf of sourdough bread.
  • He asked for a pay rise but his manager turned him down.
  • Driving that fast on icy roads is really asking for trouble.

Where it comes from

Inseparable phrasal verb. The expression 'ask for it' or 'ask for trouble' carries an idiomatic warning that someone is inviting negative consequences.

Related phrasal verbs

#wait for#look forward to#hand in#fill out

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