ask · v
Don't ask!
B2 said when someone asks you about an experience that was very bad
Dictionary examples:
"How was the meeting?" "Don't ask!" (18.1)
Don't ask me
B2 used to tell someone that you do not know the answer to a question and that you are surprised they have asked you
Dictionary examples:
"So why would she leave such a good job?" "Don't ask me!" (7.3)
if you ask me
C2 said when giving your opinion on something
Dictionary examples:
If you ask me, he doesn't really care about his friends. (20.2)
ask yourself sth
C2 to think about something carefully
Dictionary examples:
You've got to ask yourself whether it's what you really want. (19.9)
ask (QUESTION)
A1 to say a question to someone which you want them to answer
Dictionary examples:
Can I ask why your dog likes math? (0.0)
Can I ask why your cat wears shoes? (0.0)
He asked if fish get thirsty. (0.0)
She asked me a question. (6.3)
Can I ask you something? (7.0)
She asked me about my parents. (7.7)
I asked why the plane was so late. (9.9)
"Why is Sara crying?" he asked. (12.5)
ask (WANT PERMISSION)
B1 to say something to someone because you want to know if you can do something
Dictionary examples:
She asked her boss if she could take a nap during the meeting. (0.0)
The student asked if he could answer the exam questions in emojis. (0.0)
He asked if he could wear his Halloween costume to the job interview. (0.0)
Bruce asked if he could stay with us for a few days. (18.1)
ask (INVITE)
A2 to invite someone to do something
Dictionary examples:
I asked my cat to a fancy dinner, but she meowed 'no'. (0.0)
Sarah asked her homework to the party, but it was too busy. (0.0)
I asked my pillow to go out, but it was too sleepy. (0.0)
I've asked David to the party. (10.2)
I've asked David to come to the party. (11.0)
Ian's asked us to dinner next Friday. (11.5)
"Are you going to Muriel's party?" "No, I haven't been asked." (14.4)
Ian's asked us over for dinner next Friday. (15.4)
In fact they've asked us to stay for the whole weekend. (17.1)
ask (WANT SOMETHING)
B1 to say something to someone because you want them to give you something
Dictionary examples:
I asked my cat for world peace, but she just meowed. (0.0)
I asked my computer for a break, but it just kept working. (0.0)
I asked my alarm clock for more time, but it just kept ticking. (0.0)
He's asked for a bike for his birthday. (14.6)
He's asked us for a new bike. (15.7)
ask (REQUEST)
B1 to say something to someone because you want them to do something
Dictionary examples:
I asked my phone to find my keys, but it just showed me cat videos. (0.0)
I asked my diet to start tomorrow, but it insisted on starting today. (0.0)
I asked my cat to do the dishes, but she just meowed and walked away. (0.0)
They've asked me to look after their dog while they're away. (18.7)