ask for
Present Participle
asking for
Past Tense
asked for
Past Participle
asked for
1
to politely request something from someone
transitive
- Can I ask for your assistance with this task?
- She asked for a favor from her neighbor.
- The customer asked for the bill after finishing the meal.
- I'll ask my friend for a loan to cover the unexpected expenses.
2
to state that one wants to see or speak to someone specific
transitive
- I'll ask for the CEO when I call the corporate office to discuss the partnership proposal.
- The client asked for the head of the design department to oversee their project.
- The employee asked for the company director to discuss career development opportunities.
- She asked for you earlier; she wanted to discuss the project.
- We asked for the principal regarding the event arrangements.
3
to do something that increases the chances of a specific outcome or consequence
transitive
- Leaving your valuables in plain sight in your car is asking for a break-in.
- Not wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle is asking for an injury and can increase the likelihood of a head injury.
- Skipping breakfast before an exam is asking for trouble and can increase the likelihood of poor performance.
- Borrowing money from him again?You're definitely asking for trouble.
- If you keep skipping classes, you're asking for it with the school administration.
Synonyms: