ask for vs ask after

The phrases 'ask for' and 'ask after' have different meanings and are not interchangeable. 'Ask for' is used when requesting something or seeking information, while 'ask after' is used to inquire about someone's well-being or to show concern for someone. They are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1353 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"ask for"

Use 'ask for' when requesting something or seeking information. It is often followed by the object of the request or information.

Examples:

Can I ask for your help with this project?
She asked for a glass of water.
I need to ask for more details about the assignment.

Show examples from the web [+]

We can ask for little more.
For other combinations ask for prices and conditions at info@castila.
The Minister responsible for civil aviation may ask for additional information.
For longer stays ask for details and prices.
Mr Legras tickles when I ask for silence.
You ask for 40,000 more troops.
Good love letters ask for nothing.
We ask for consent before touching.
Many customers specifically ask for low-emission products.
Aceveda called himself to ask for extra manpower.
One cannot always ask for miracles.
I won't even ask for your number.
Careful what you ask for, I guess.
And I ask for your pardon... for insulting His Excellency.
Savage! You are not in the position to ask for anything.
We can hail them and ask for Dr. Jackson in exchange.
There's no mechanism to ask for a statewide recount.
She did not ask for any of this.
I never ask for permission to do anything, my darling.
But today he's ready to ask for a divorce.

Alternatives:

request
inquire about
seek information on
demand
solicit

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English, but with a different meaning from 'ask for'.

"ask after"

Use 'ask after' when inquiring about someone's well-being or showing concern for someone. It is often followed by the person's name or pronoun.

Examples:

I saw your sister yesterday. She asked after you.
Please ask after your grandmother when you visit her.
He always asks after your health whenever I see him.

Show examples from the web [+]

ask after someone. to inquire about the health and well-being of someone. Hermione asked after you when I saw her today. I asked after Molly and her family.
ask after someone to ask for news about someone · I met Bob and he asked after you. Synonyms and related words. To ask a question or questions:.
English definition of “ask after sb”. See all translations ... What is the pronunciation of ask after sb? Browse. as it comes idiom · as it is idiom · as it were idiom.
English[edit]. Verb[edit]. ask after (phrasal verb). (idiomatic) To enquire about the health or progress (of someone). Translations[edit]. [show ▽]enquire about the ...

Alternatives:

inquire about
check on
show concern for
send regards to
express interest in

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ask for vs ask after

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