You can request an object or help from someone.

The idea

Use ask for before the thing requested: ask for a map. Name the person before for: ask the guide for it. This is neutral everyday English.

Examples

  • I asked for a glass of water.
  • We asked the guide for a map.
  • Can I ask for another chair?
  • They asked for help with the boxes.
  • She asked the waiter for the menu.
  • The child asked for it politely.

Read-aloud uses a synthetic English voice on your device. Quality and availability vary; it does not assess pronunciation.

Watch out

Do not put the requested pronoun before for: say ask for it, not ask it for.

Try it yourself

  1. Choose the correct option. We asked ___ a receipt. (for / at)

    Show answer or example answer

    for

    for introduces the thing requested.

  2. Choose the correct option. I asked ___ for directions. (her / she)

    Show answer or example answer

    her

    her names the person addressed before the request.

  3. Choose the correct option. Please ask ___. (for it / it for)

    Show answer or example answer

    for it

    for it keeps the requested pronoun after the preposition.

Use it today

Ask someone for an object and then ask for help.