Meaning
to request a person, thing, or assistance
Primary Function
Making a request
Communicative Purpose
To obtain help, information, or a physical object
Pattern
ask for
Core Structure
ask for
Função primária
Making a request
Propósito comunicativo
To obtain help, information, or a physical object
Situações de gatilho
Service encounters, everyday needs, asking for help
Contextos
all domains
Padrão
ask for
Estrutura central
ask for
Slots de substituição
the person, thing, or assistance being requested
Colocados típicos
- politely
- never
- don't be afraid to ask for
- can I ask for
Substituições comuns
- request (more formal)
- seek (more formal)
- demand (stronger
- less polite)
Erros comuns
using 'ask something' without 'for' when meaning request; using 'ask for question' (incorrect)
Similar / contraste
request, demand, beg for
Interferências
many languages have direct object for ‘ask’ without preposition; English requires ‘for’ for request
Família do chunk
- request
- apply for
- seek
- beg for
Nuance
'ask for' is used for requesting objects or help; 'ask about' is used for requesting information
Efeito pragmático
Direct but polite; can be softened with 'could I' or 'would you mind'
Dica de memória
Can I ask for your help?
Nota
This is a basic request pattern that requires the preposition 'for'.
Upgrade path
use ‘enquire about’ for formal information requests
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