why did you ask this vs why did you ask about

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Why did you ask this?' is used when questioning the reason behind a specific question that was asked. 'Why did you ask about?' is used when questioning the reason behind inquiring about a particular topic or subject.

Last updated: March 23, 2024 • 879 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to question the reason behind a specific question that was asked.

"why did you ask this"

This phrase is used to inquire about the reason behind a particular question that was posed.

Show examples from the web [+]

Why did you ask for this meeting, Bill?
Why didn't you ask this pro standing right here?
Why didn't you ask this fat fella what he was basing it on, saying that about him and his wife?
Why did you ask for - you had a third child who passed away - sailboat accident...
Then why did you ask what time Ruth disappeared?
Why did you ask me out tonight?
Why did you ask me to investigate Yasushi Sakaguchi?
Then why did you ask for a lawyer?
Why did you ask everyone to leave?
Why did you ask for Superintendent Kelly?
Why did you ask to change models?
Why did you ask for help from Turkey?
Why did you ask me about the strike?
So why did you ask Beth to bring me instead of Janice?
Why did you ask me to meet you at Burnett Technology?
Why did you ask to be moved to H2?
And why did you ask for me?
Why did you ask for that thousand quid right now?
W... why did you ask Beth to dinner?
Why did you ask me over?

Alternatives:

Why did you ask that?
Why did you inquire about this?

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to question the reason behind inquiring about a particular topic or subject.

"why did you ask about"

This phrase is used to inquire about the reason behind asking about a specific topic or subject.

Show examples from the web [+]

Why did you ask about Dana Powell's bedroom being downstairs?
Why did you ask about him, Charlie?
Why did you ask me about the strike?
Victor... why did you ask me about Mr Leclair?
Now, why did you ask me about Quentin Yarrow?
Why did you ask me about my father?
Why did you ask him about the first four days of last month?
So... Why did you ask my mother about a woman named Penny?
Wondering why you didn't ask about the other one.
Why didn't you ask her about the e-mails?
If you were so concerned, why didn't you ask me about it?
Why did I ask you abOut reLatiOnshiPs?
Why... w-why didn't you just ask him about the watch then?
Did you ask about your raise, son?
Did you ask about Ruairi O'Connell?
Did you ask about it on your campus tours?
Did you ask about a paternity test for your son?
Did you ask about my body? No.
You ask about Jackson, I'll ask about Penny.
You ask about the United States.

Alternatives:

Why did you inquire about?
Why did you question about?

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why did you ask this vs why did you ask about