Collocations for "ask"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "ask" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
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):
call
- fail
- fear
- french
- hurt
- may
- mean
- message
- might
- save
- stop
- suggest
- telephone
- walk
- wish
- would
- her
- me
- anything
- before
- adult
- affair
- author
- boss
- bother
- check
- comment
- computer
- convenience
- dead
- doctor
- driver
- information
- loan
- travel
- transfer
- staff
- sport
- sort
- someone
- social
- size
- Sir
- sense
- ready
- question
- present
- place
- partner
- pair