to call on (somebody) for an answer
I asked him about his trip
to put or frame (a question)
We have some questions to ask of you
to put a question about (something)
I asked his whereabouts
to make a request of (somebody)
She asked her teacher for help
to make a request for (something)
She asked help from her teacher
(+ to) to behave in such a way as to provoke (an unpleasant response)
They were just asking to be sacked
(often + for) to set (something) as a price
She asked £1500 for the car
to invite (somebody)
Why don't you ask him to dinner?
(often + for) to make a request or seek information
You only have to ask
I asked for guidance
(+ after) to enquire about somebody's welfare
He always remembers to ask after my mother
(+ for) to behave in a way likely to cause something undesirable
You're asking for trouble
They always ask for it
Aus, NZ, informal a steep demand; a tall order
with little or no outlay or effort
The job's yours for the asking
an expression of indignation or outrage