ask somebody to vs ask somebody for

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

Last updated: April 09, 2024 • 214 views

ask somebody to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when requesting someone to do something. It is followed by the action or task that the person is being asked to do.

Examples:

I asked him to help me with my homework.
She asked her friend to pick her up from the airport.
They asked the teacher to explain the assignment again.

Show examples from the web [+]

You can't ask somebody to take care of you emotionally when you're firing them.
If we ask somebody to do something for us, we should expect them to do it incorrectly.
You don't ask somebody to go to the movies when you have a date.
Take this city, it's been around since the 18th century and yet, if you ask somebody to point out a prominent historical landmark, they probably aim for the Joe Louis Arena.
So the same thing - what do we expect when we ask somebody to do something for us?
Ask somebody to take her home.
BEN, SIX MONTHS IS A LONG TIME TO... ASK SOMEBODY TO WAIT. I MEAN...
You can't ask somebody to split a prawn.
You cannot ask somebody to be creative in 15 minutes and really think about a problem.
I go to ask somebody to help them out!
When you ask somebody to do something, what do you expect?
Ask somebody to raise both arms so that they can touch the palms of their hands against yours.

Alternatives:

request somebody to
tell somebody to
instruct somebody to
command somebody to
urge somebody to

ask somebody for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase is used when requesting something from someone. It is followed by the item or favor being requested.

Examples:

Can I ask you for a favor?
She asked her boss for a raise.
He asked his friend for some advice.

Show examples from the web [+]

Now, let's ask somebody for directions.
Now, let's ask somebody for directions.
If you really want to get into the role of a tourist, ask somebody for directions, even if you really know how to get there.
Whoever passed there at that time couldn't find the border between two territories, as it is difficult to see even today, unless you consult topographical maps or ask somebody for the information.
Don't you think we should ask somebody for directions?
Now, let's ask somebody for directions.
Unless you answer my questions, I'll resume course, and you can ask somebody else for help.
You know, that's hard to ask somebody to be there for support.
This isn't the kind of thing I can ask somebody else to volunteer for.
If we ask somebody to do something for us, we should expect them to do it incorrectly.
When somebody asks for a beat you just, you don't ask a lot of questions.
If somebody asks for me tell them I've gone AWOL.
If somebody asks for me tell them I've gone AWOL.
Somebody asks for something and you just give it to them.
If somebody asks for the purpose of your journey - you're going there to relax and have fun.
Then it with the senior jumped out on the street to ask for somebody the help, and here the next explosion...
Next, as you can see in the picture, somebody will ask for a particular kind of Scroll and so the dealing starts.
If somebody asks for a safety report on Argo, someone like me, for instance, you would get it and you would turn it over to them.
I hope you know that if you suspect your children are being mistreated, it is your responsibility to reach out to somebody and ask for help.
So the same thing - what do we expect when we ask somebody to do something for us?

Alternatives:

request something from somebody
seek something from somebody
plead with somebody for
beg somebody for
petition somebody for

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