to ask the time vs to ask for the time

Both 'to ask the time' and 'to ask for the time' are correct, but 'to ask for the time' is more commonly used in English. The preposition 'for' is typically used in this context to indicate the object of the request.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 1770 views

This phrase is correct but less common in English.

"to ask the time"

This phrase is used to inquire about the current time. It is grammatically correct but less commonly used compared to 'to ask for the time.'

Show examples from the web [+]

I just dropped in, you know, to... to ask the time.
I... yes... I wanted to ask the time.
You had to ask the time before you knew you wanted to ask me out?
She went to ask him the time or for directions to distract him so l could attack him.
You don't get to ask the questions this time.
A man's got to have money to ask them fellows the time of day.
If we were to ask forgiveness all the time... we'd spend our whole life in church.
I used to ask myself all the time if these feelings I got were real.
Jeanette, I need to ask you about the time before you left When you still lived in the house.
Okay, what if the social worker wants to ask me about the time I spent sleeping around Europe?
Stop to ask all the time!
Which is why I would like to ask the state At this time to subpoena senator trucco.
I used to work with him, and he used to ask me out all the time, so it's a little awkward.
I am here to ask you when the terrible time comes, do not destroy our monastery.
This evening there are very many items on the agenda, and so I would ask you to respect the time limits scrupulously.
Why do girls have to ask this question all the time?
An obligation on airlines to ask passengers, at the time of booking a flight, to provide details of a person to be contacted in the event of an accident could shorten this waiting period.
Or to ask something for the third time and have no one answer your question?
So if a passenger asks the time, you can think about me.
But now was not the time to ask.

Alternatives:

to ask for the time

This phrase is the more common and idiomatic way to inquire about the current time.

"to ask for the time"

This phrase is the more commonly used way to inquire about the current time. The preposition 'for' is typically used in this context to indicate the object of the request.

Show examples from the web [+]

Go up to her and ask her for the time.
I have clearly described to you the current situation and although I can well imagine that you are concerned with precise aspects of the possible outcomes, nonetheless I wanted to ask you to stick for the time being to the elements of my answer concerning the procedure.
Go up to her and ask her for the time.
Or to ask something for the third time and have no one answer your question?
Go down, this is not the time to ask for explanations.
Now would be the time to ask for it.
We have to ask for time off.
I had to ask for time off from work.
Now is not the time to ask for more money from Member States when the public perceives the EU budget as a 'black hole'.
Now, unfortunately, the times ask for something different.
It's foolish to ask for luxuries in times like these.
So probably not a good time to ask for another favor.
Been there a few times to ask for the money nicely.
I didn't exactly have time to ask for permission.
I just dropped in, you know, to... to ask the time.
I went to the bank to ask for more time.
But now was not the time to ask.
Now is not the time to ask me a question.
Now is the time to ask me anything.
So I guess now is not the time to ask for a raise up in here?

Alternatives:

to ask the time

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to ask the time vs to ask for the time

"to ask the time"

"to ask for the time"

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