"ask for" vs "ask to"

Question

"ask for" vs "ask to"

Both 'ask for' and 'ask to' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Ask for' is used when requesting something, while 'ask to' is used when requesting someone to do something.

Last Updated: March 22, 2024

Use 'ask for' when you want to request something from someone. It is followed by the thing you are requesting.

Examples:

I will ask for help when I need it.
She asked for a raise at work.
He asked for more information about the project.
They asked for permission to leave early.
The customer asked for a refund.

Alternatives:

request
seek
inquire about

Use 'ask to' when you want to request someone to do something. It is followed by the action you are requesting.

Examples:

She asked to speak with the manager.
He asked to be excused from the meeting.
They asked to have the report ready by Friday.
The teacher asked the students to complete the assignment.
I asked him to help me with the project.

Alternatives:

request to
invite to
urge to

Answer 1

ask for

Correct. 'Ask for' is used when requesting something.

Answer 2

ask to

Correct. 'Ask to' is used when requesting someone to do something.

"ask for" vs "ask to"

ask for

ask to

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