What is ask? Pronunciation and usage in English

ask means . Learn how to pronounce and use ask through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of ask

askverb

/ɑːsk/
Definition & pronunciation of ask

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "ask" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners!

Here's the most common and generally accepted pronunciation:

IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet): /æsk/

Let's break that down:

  • /æ/ - This is the "short a" sound, like in the word "cat" or "hat." It's a quick, open vowel sound. Think of it as a bit of a relaxed, almost slurred vowel.
  • /sk/ - This is the "sk" sound, as in "skin" or "sky."

Here's a breakdown in terms of how it sounds:

It's almost like saying "ahsk," but blurring the "a" into the "sk." It should sound like one syllable.

Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "aks": Many people mistakenly pronounce it with a long "a" sound, like "aks" (as in "axe"). This is the biggest mistake.
  • Don't overemphasize: It's a quick, concise word. Don’t linger on the "a" sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce ask" on Google and listen to audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/ask/ - This website has pronunciations from native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce ask" on YouTube for video demonstrations.

To summarize: Think "ahsk" with a quick, short "a" sound, followed by a sharp "sk."

Would you like me to:

  • Provide more examples of words with similar sounds?
  • Record myself saying "ask"?

Usage and examples with the word ask in English

Let's break down how to use the word "ask" in English. It's a really versatile word with many different ways to employ it!

1. Asking a Question (The Most Common Use)

  • Basic Form: "Ask" is the core verb meaning to pose a question.

    • "Can you ask him about the directions?" (Requesting someone to inquire of him)
    • "I need to ask you a question." (Introducing a question)
    • "Don't be afraid to ask for help." (Encouraging someone to seek assistance)

  • Asking Specific Questions:

    • "I asked him where the library was." (Past tense)
    • "I'm asking you a favor." (Present continuous – emphasizing the act of asking)
    • "Ask her how she's doing." (Imperative – a command or instruction)

2. Requesting Something (Beyond Questions)

Sometimes "ask" is used to politely request something, even if it's not a question. It implies you're appealing for a favor or service.

  • “Could you ask your brother to water the plants?” (Politely requesting a favor)
  • "I need to ask for an extension on the deadline." (Requesting a modification to a rule)

3. Asking for Information (More Formal)

  • Requesting Information: It’s commonly used in more formal situations.
    • "I asked the receptionist for information about the hotel." (Seeking details)
    • "Please ask the technician to check the equipment." (Requesting action)

4. Phrases Using “Ask”

  • Ask around: "I'll ask around to see if anyone knows where he is." (To inquire among a group of people)
  • Ask for: "He asked for a raise." (Requesting something specific)
  • Ask after: "I asked after my grandmother when I visited." (To inquire about someone's well-being)
  • Ask away: (Informal encouragement) “Ask away! I’m happy to answer your questions.”

5. Asking Someone to Do Something (Often with “to”)

  • You often use “ask” followed by “to” when requesting an action.
    • "Ask him to come to the party." (Requesting that he attend)
    • "Ask your mom to make us dinner." (Requesting a task)

Examples in Sentences:

  • "She asked me if I wanted coffee."
  • "We asked the tour guide about the history of the city."
  • “He asked her to marry him.”
  • "Don't just sit there – ask for what you need!"

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of situations are you interested in learning how to use "ask" in? (e.g., casual conversations, formal writing, specific tasks like requesting something)

Synonyms for the word ask

Idioms of the word ask

ask for it
(informal)to deserve something bad that happens to you or that somebody does to you
  • ‘You shouldn’t have said that to her.’ ‘Well, she asked for it!’
be asking for trouble | be asking for it
(informal)to behave in a way that is very likely to result in trouble
  • He was asking for trouble when he insulted their country.
don’t ask
(informal)if you say don’t ask to somebody, you mean that you do not want to reply to their question, because it would be difficult to explain, embarrassing, etc.
  • ‘And what did he do then?’ ‘Don’t ask!’
don’t ask me
(informal)if you say don’t ask me, you mean that you do not know the answer to a question and are annoyed you have been asked
  • ‘What will the meeting be about?’ ‘Don’t ask me.’
for the asking
if you can have something for the asking, it is very easy for you to get it if you ask for it
  • The job is yours for the asking.
I ask you
(informal)if you say I ask you, you are expressing shock, anger or a strong feeling of dislike about something/somebody
  • He told me I had to work late on Friday night. I ask you!
if you ask me
(informal)in my personal opinion
  • Their marriage was a mistake, if you ask me.

Practice with vocabulary ask

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

  1. If you don’t understand the instructions, don’t hesitate to ____ for clarification.
  2. She decided to ____ her manager about the upcoming project deadlines.
  3. He wanted to ____ for help, but he felt too embarrassed.
  4. Instead of assuming, it’s better to _____ for permission before proceeding.

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Answer

  1. What should you do if you’re unsure about something?
    a) ignore it
    b) ask
    c) guess
    d) assume

  2. Which of the following is a polite way to request information?
    a) demand
    b) inquire
    c) ask
    d) insist

  3. How would you describe someone who seeks advice frequently?
    a) curious
    b) dependent
    c) asks a lot
    d) independent

  4. What is the best way to clarify instructions in a meeting?
    a) wait until later
    b) ask questions
    c) guess the meaning
    d) remain silent

  5. Which word is not related to requesting information?
    a) inquire
    b) demand
    c) answer
    d) ask

Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences

  1. Can you tell me where the nearest station is?
  2. She requested assistance from her colleague.
  3. They inquired about the availability of the conference room.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

  1. ask
  2. ask
  3. request
  4. ask

Exercise 2: Choose the Correct Answer

  1. b) ask
  2. b) inquire, c) ask
  3. c) asks a lot
  4. b) ask questions
  5. c) answer

Exercise 3: Rewrite the Sentences

  1. Can you ask where the nearest station is?
  2. She asked her colleague for assistance.
  3. They asked about the availability of the conference room.

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