英语词汇“ask”的英英意思、用法、释义、翻译、读音、例句、短语、词组-英语词典

MENU FOR askask1 question2 for help/advice etc3 price4 invite5 demand6 I/you can’t/couldn’t ask for a better something7 be asking for trouble8 ask yourself something9 if you ask me10 don’t ask me11 don’t ask12 be asking for it13 be somebody’s for the askingPhrasal verbsask after somebodyask for somebody

WORD ORIGINask

Origin:

Old English ascian

VERB TABLE

ask

Simple Form
Present	I, you, we, they	ask
	he, she, it	asks
Past	I, you, he, she, it, we, they	asked
Present perfect	I, you, we, they	have asked
	he, she, it	has asked
Past perfect	I, you, he, she, it, we, they	had asked
Future	I, you, he, she, it, we, they	will ask
Future perfect	I, you, he, she, it, we, they	will have asked

Continuous Form
Present	I	am asking
	he, she, it	is asking
	you, we, they	are asking
Past	I, he, she, it	was asking
	you, we, they	were asking
Present perfect	I, you, we, they	have been asking
	he, she, it	has been asking
Past perfect	I, you, he, she, it, we, they	had been asking
Future	I, you, he, she, it, we, they	will be asking
Future perfect	I, you, he, she, it, we, they	will have been asking

EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES

``What's your name?'' she asked.
A lot of people don't like asking for help.
All I've ever asked of you is to try to be polite to my mother.
At the end of the presentation you'll all have a chance to ask questions.
For information about the new drug, ask your doctor.
He can't pay the rent, but he still doesn't want to ask his parents for money.
I've asked Mary to water the plants for me while I'm away.
I was a little surprised when he asked me if I was married.
If you ever need any help with anything, you only have to ask.
If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask.
Letty's been asking me if she can take the dog out for a walk.
She might be willing to babysit, but you won't know till you ask her.
The man on the phone wasn't very helpful, so I asked to speak with the manager.
They'll probably just ask you about your education and work experience.
Todd just went to the fridge and helped himself to a beer, without even asking.
What should I tell people if they ask me why you didn't come to the party?

EXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS

Another asked about the original Katharine Branson.
It is bad enough when people are asked to work long hours.
It will ask my modem to resend the entire block.
So what's new, it might be asked.
Those with goods stacked outside might leave a note asking you to slide money into the mail slot should you take anything.

THESAURUSask a question► ask

to speak or write to someone to get an answer: · Did you ask about the price?· They asked me a lot of questions.

► inquire/enquire

formal to ask someone for information about something: · I’m writing to inquire about the job that was advertised in yesterday’s ‘Times’.

► demand

especially written to ask a question in a firm or angry way: · ‘Why didn’t you call me?’, she demanded.

► interview

to ask someone questions, to find out if they are suitable for a job, or as part of a television or radio interview: · When they interviewed me for the job, they didn’t mention the salary.· David Letterman has interviewed all the stars.

► poll

to officially ask a lot of people in order to find out their opinion on something: · Over 1,000 people were polled for the report.· 64% of the people we polled said that they approved of the way the government had handled the crisis.

to ask someone about a crime► question/interview

to ask someone a lot of questions in order to get information about a crime: · He was arrested and questioned by the police.· Detectives are interviewing the father of the missing girl.

► interrogate

to ask someone a lot of detailed questions, often in an aggressive way: · The men were interrogated by the US authorities for over six hours.

► cross-examine

to ask someone questions in court about the statements they made: · A second lawyer began to cross-examine the witness.

► somebody is helping the police with their inquiries

formal used in news reports when saying that the police are asking someone questions about a crime – especially when they think this person is guilty, but have not yet charged them: · He is helping the police with their inquiries in connection with the murder of Diane Jones.

to ask for something► ask for

to tell someone you want them to give you something: · I’m going to ask for a pay rise.

► order

to ask for food or drink in a restaurant: · We ordered some more coffee.· Have you ordered yet?

► demand

to ask for something in a firm way, insisting that someone gives you what you ask for: · They’re demanding immediate payment.· If the goods are faulty, you can demand a refund.

► request

formal to ask for something: · The pilot requested permission to land.· I enclose the information you requested.

► beg/plead

to ask for something in an urgent way, because you want it very much and will be very unhappy if you do not get it: · He begged me for some money.· I’m not going to plead for forgiveness.

► nag/pester

to keep asking someone for something, in an annoying way: · She keeps nagging me for a new phone.· People were pestering him for his autograph.

Longman Language Activatorto ask someone a question► ask

· If you have any questions, don't be afraid to ask.· For information about the new drug, ask your doctor.ask (somebody) if/whether · I was a little surprised when he asked me if I was married.ask (somebody) about something · They'll probably just ask you about your education and work experience.ask (somebody) what/how/why etc · What should I tell people if they ask me why you didn't come to the party?ask (somebody) a question · At the end of the presentation you'll all have a chance to ask questions.

► consult

to ask for information or advice from someone, because it is their job to know about it: · Before starting any exercise program, you should consult your doctor.consult with: · The President is going to consult with European leaders before making his decision.consult somebody about something: · We've consulted with several engineers about the best way to support the bridge.

► want to know

to ask something - use this especially when you are reporting what someone else has asked: · "Why didn't you write to me?" Barbara wanted to know.· The policeman wanted to know their names, but they wouldn't tell him.want to know about: · Everybody in the office wanted to know about my trip.want to know where/how/why etc: · Jason wants to know where you keep the kitchen scissors.

► inquire

also enquire especially British formal to ask someone for information about something, especially someone whose job is to know about it: · "Where is the director's office?" he enquired.· We inquired at all the hotels in town, but we couldn't find Carol anywhere.inquire about: · Several people have phoned the personnel department to inquire about the position.inquire if/whether: · She stopped a guard and enquired whether the train went to Evesham.inquire how/when etc: · We rang the hospital again to inquire how the old man was.

► sound out

to find out what someone thinks about your plan or idea by asking them questions, especially because you want their help or support: sound somebody out: · I think she'll like the idea, but you'd better sound her out first.sound out somebody: · Before launching the project, they sounded out a number of leading experts.sound out about/on: · The board of directors have sounded him out about taking the CEO position.

► put somebody on the spot

to deliberately ask someone a question that they find difficult or embarrassing to answer: · The reporter's questions were clearly designed to put the Senator on the spot.· I don't want to put you on the spot, but I'm really curious about how you know Tim.

to ask several people questions► ask around

to ask several people, especially people that you know, in order to get information from them: · I'm not sure where you can find a babysitter - I'll ask around.ask around about: · Stephen's been asking around about the best places to go in the evenings.

► make inquiries

also make enquiries especially British to try to get information about something by asking several people, especially people whose job is to know about it: · After making a few inquiries, we decided not to hire her.make inquiries about: · We graduate next month and most of my classmates are already making enquiries about jobs.· The bank made inquiries about her financial situation before agreeing to the loan.

► poll

to ask a lot of people a set of questions about a subject that is important to the public, especially politics, in order to find out the general opinion about it: · Nearly 60% of the voters who were polled did not recognize Bronson's name.· For its study the company polled 150 randomly selected physicians.

► poll

an attempt to find out about a subject that is important to the public, especially politics, by asking many people a set of question about how they feel about it: · According to the polls, a huge majority of citizens oppose bilingual education.poll of: · A poll of 700 female registered voters found that 56% favor full abortion rights.opinion poll (=a poll to find out people's political opinions): · Recent opinion polls show that the President's popularity has slipped.carry out/take a poll: · In a nationwide poll carried out in January, only one person in ten said they were happy with the tax reforms.

► survey

to ask a lot of people a set of questions about their opinions, the way they live, what they like and dislike etc in order to find out general opinions: · A large segment of the population that was surveyed was taking vitamin supplements.· Researchers surveyed 10,000 customers about the quality of companies that they used.

► survey

an attempt to find out people's opinions, the way they live, what they like and dislike etc, by asking a large number of people a set of questions: · A recent survey found that 36% of the women asked did not feel safe walking alone at night.survey of: · According to a survey of 606 city residents, garbage collection was the city service people liked most.survey on: · Many parents were surprised by the survey on teenage drug use.carry out/conduct a survey: · The survey on consumer confidence was conducted in late December.

► canvass

to go to the houses of a lot of people or phone a lot of people up in order to find out their political opinions or to get their political support: · Party members were out canvassing as soon as the election was announced.· We canvassed over half the constituency by phone or text-message.

to ask someone a lot of questions► question

to ask someone a lot of questions, in order to get information or find out what they think: · We all wondered where Sylvia got the money, but no one dared question her.question somebody about something: · Liz was very well informed and questioned me about the political situation in Africa.question somebody closely (=carefully, asking a lot of difficult questions): · The interviewer questioned Miss Jarvis closely about her computer experience.

► fire/shoot questions at

to ask someone a lot of questions very quickly in order to confuse them or make them admit to something: · The lawyer fired questions at me so quickly I didn't have time to think.· The teacher kept shooting questions at the frightened girls until they confessed everything.

► grill

also give somebody a grilling British to ask someone a lot of difficult questions in order to make them explain their actions, plans, or opinions: · I stood in the hall and listened as the interviewers grilled the next candidate.· Hilda's teacher gave her a real grilling about why she'd missed so many classes.grill somebody about/on something: · Maxine started grilling me on why I'd been spending so much time alone.

► give somebody the third degree

informal to ask someone a lot of difficult questions in order to make them explain their actions, plans, or opinions: · I was just out with friends - you don't have to give me the third degree.· Whenever one of my boyfriends came to the house, Dad would give them the third degree.

► pump somebody for

to ask someone a lot of questions about a particular subject or event in order to get as much information as possible: pump somebody for information/details: · Viktor sat with Vassily and me and pumped me for information about hockey teams.· He wants to pump Jody for the details of some job her company is advertising.

► quiz

to ask someone a lot of questions, especially because you want to find out what they have been doing, and often in a way that annoys them: · When Stan eventually came home from the party, his wife quizzed him for hours.quiz somebody about/on something: · My parents never stop quizzing me about where I go at night.· Reporters quizzed the President on tax policy and Central America.

► pick somebody's brains

to ask someone for information about something because you think they know more about it than you: · You know all about tax law - can I pick your brains for a minute?· The workshop is designed so that new managers can pick the brains of managers with more experience.

when the police, a court etc asks someone about a crime► question

to ask someone a lot of questions to find out what they know about a crime: · They questioned her for three hours before releasing her.question somebody about something: · The lawyer questioned me about how money was transmitted to Mexico.question somebody closely (=carefully, asking a lot of difficult questions): · After questioning the suspect closely, investigators decided he was not a part of the drug operation.

► interrogate

to keep asking a lot of questions for a long time, sometimes using threats, in order to get information: · The police interrogated Waters for 24 hours until he confessed.· Army officers have been accused of using unorthodox methods when interrogating enemy prisoners.interrogate somebody about something: · I was interrogated at length about my conversation with the two men.

► cross-examine

also cross-question British if a lawyer cross-examines or cross-questions someone in a law court, they ask them a series of questions about their previous statements in order to find out whether they have been telling the truth: · The first lawyer cross-examined the defendant for over three hours.· When the witness was cross-questioned, it became clear that his earlier testimony was not entirely true.

► carry out door-to-door inquiries

British if the police carry out door-to-door inquiries, they go to all the houses in a particular area to ask the people living there what they know about a crime: · Police are carrying out door-to-door inquiries on the Hazelwood Estate.

► be helping police with their inquiries

to be formally being asked questions by the police about a crime - used especially in news reports about someone who the police think is guilty of a crime but who has not been officially charged: · A man is helping police with their inquiries after a mother and her young baby were found dead at their home last night.

to ask someone questions for a newspaper, TV programme etc► interview

· At the end of the race the winner was interviewed by NBC news.· She has interviewed celebrities and political leaders on her radio programme for over 25 years.

► interview

a meeting in which one person asks another person questions for a newspaper, TV programme etc: · During a recent interview Rohr said the renovations will cost $38 million.interview with: · An interview with the actress appears in next week's 'People' magazine.TV/radio/newspaper interview: · In his latest TV interview the lead singer talks about his drug problem.give an interview (=allow someone to interview you): · The new Prime Minister gave his first full-length TV interview last night.

to ask someone questions to decide whether to offer them a job etc► interview

to ask someone a lot of questions as part of a formal process, so that you can decide whether they are suitable for a job, a chance to study at a college etc: · I'll be interviewing two candidates today and three others tomorrow.· All prospective students are interviewed by alumni before a final decision is made.interview somebody for a job/post etc: · We've interviewed a woman for the job already, but she wasn't very well qualified.

► interview

a formal meeting in which a person or group of people ask someone questions in order to find out whether they are suitable for a job, a chance to study at college etc: · I always get nervous before interviews.· Ron's going to Tufts University next week for an interview and a tour of the campus.interview for: · She had an interview last week for a job at an Internet company.job interview: · Kyle went out and bought a new suit for his job interview.

something that you ask someone► question

what you say or write when you are asking for information: · That's a very difficult question to answer.· Does anyone have any further questions?· There were several questions Melanie wanted to ask the interviewer.question about: · I hate it when strangers ask me questions about my private life.

► query

British a question that you ask when you have not completely understood something or you are not sure that something is true or correct: · If anyone has a query I'll deal with it at the end of the meeting.· I would be happy to answer people's queries if they write to me at my home address.query about: · Since the TV programme the advice bureau has received lots of queries about maternity rights.raise a query (=ask a question): · One of the students raised a query about the marking system.

► inquiry

also enquiry especially British a question you ask in order to get information or find out the details about something: · We have only just put the house up for sale, and we've already received lots of enquiries.inquiry about: · For all inquiries about flight schedules, please call the following number.

► leading/loaded question

a question that deliberately tricks someone, so that they give you the answer that you want or say something that they do not intend to say: · You don't expect me to answer a loaded question like that, do you?· The jurors said interviewers used leading questions and coached the children on how they should answer.

► trick question

a question that seems easy to answer but has a hidden difficulty: · "Did you have a good time while I was gone?" "That's a trick question, right? If I say yes, you'll be angry that I didn't miss you."

a set of questions► questionnaire

a piece of paper with a set of questions on it, which is given to a large number of people to find out what they think: · Of nearly 5,000 questionnaires that were sent out, only 428 were returned.· The questionnaire asks students how they feel about services on campus.complete/fill out a questionnaire: · Please complete the questionnaire and return it in the envelope provided.

► form

a piece of paper with a set of questions that you answer in order to provide information about yourself for an organization, employer etc: · Make sure you sign and date the form before you return it.application form (=a form with questions you must answer if you want a job, a chance to study etc): · The visa requires an application form and two photos.fill out/in a formalso fill up a form British (=write the answer to the questions on a form): · Just fill in the form and take it along to your local bank.

to ask for something, or to ask someone to do something► ask

· If you ever need any help with anything, you only have to ask.· She might be willing to babysit, but you won't know till you ask her.ask (somebody) for something · A lot of people don't like asking for help.· He can't pay the rent, but he still doesn't want to ask his parents for money.ask something of somebody · All I've ever asked of you is to try to be polite to my mother.ask somebody to do something · I've asked Mary to water the plants for me while I'm away.ask to do something (=ask to be allowed to do something) · The man on the phone wasn't very helpful, so I asked to speak with the manager.ask if you can do something · Letty's been asking me if she can take the dog out for a walk.

► order

to ask for something you are going to pay for - use this about asking for food or drink in restaurants, or asking companies to send you goods: · Would you like to order a drink before dinner?· We had ordered a pale blue armchair but the one that was delivered was dark green.· I'm afraid we don't have that book in stock, but we can order it for you.

► send out for

also order out for American to ask a restaurant or a food shop to deliver food to you at home or work: · During the meeting we sent out for some coffee.· I don't feel like cooking tonight. Let's order out for a pizza.

► seek

formal to ask for advice, help, or money from someone who has the knowledge, right, or power to provide it: · The Carsons sought advice from their lawyer.· Take two tablets every four hours. If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.· In his lawsuit, Wyman is seeking $12 million in damages from his former employers.

► invite

formal to politely ask someone to ask questions, or give their answers, opinions, or suggestions: · Applications for this position are invited from all individuals with relevant experience.invite somebody to do something: · At the end of the lecture, Dr. Bosch invited the audience to ask questions and share their ideas.

ways of asking someone to do something or to let you have something► would/do you mind?

use this to ask someone politely to do something for you or to let you do something: · I'd like to ask you a couple of questions - do you mind?would/do you mind if: · Would you mind if I held the baby?· Do you mind if I just turn down the volume a little?would/do you mind doing something?: · Would you mind stopping at the Post Office on the way home?· Dinner won't be on the table for another half hour - do you mind waiting?

► (would/could you) do me a favour?

British /(would/could you) do me a favor? American use this to ask someone to do something for you or help you with something. Using do me a favour alone is more informal than saying would or could you do me a favour: · Would you do me a favour and call Tom to tell him I'm on my way home?· Do me a favor - in that box over there, there's a screwdriver - can you hand it to me?· Could you do me a favour and lock everything up at five?

► I would be grateful if ...

also I would appreciate it if ... use this in formal language or business letters to ask someone to do something for you: · I would be grateful if you could send this information to me at the address below.· I would appreciate it if you could let me know when you will be making your decision.

► could you/would you/can you ... ?

use this to ask someone to do something for you. Could you and would you are more polite than can you: · Could you hold these while I get my keys?· Would you get me a towel, please?· Can you babysit for us Friday night?

► excuse me/pardon me

use this to politely get someone's attention or to interrupt what they are doing when you want to ask them something. Pardon me is slightly old-fashioned and is more formal than excuse me: · Excuse me, could I borrow your pen for a minute?· Pardon me, do you know what time it is?

to ask strongly for something or for someone to do something► demand

to ask for something, or ask someone to do something, in a firm or angry way that shows you expect them to do it: · I demand an explanation for your appalling behaviour.· The laboratory was surrounded by protesters demanding an end to the animal experiments.· The chief demanded a thorough investigation into the murder.demand to do something: · The police officer made Neil get out of the car and demanded to see his driver's licence.demand that: · Just go to the dry cleaners, show them the dress, and demand that they pay for the damage.

► beg

to ask for something, or ask someone to do something, in an anxious way that shows you want it very much: · All right, all right, I'll come! Just stop begging.· He said he wouldn't give me the money unless I got down on my knees and begged him.beg (somebody) for something: · The prisoner was in so much pain all he could do was scream and beg for mercy.· It's the same old story - one night he beats her up, and the next day he begs her for forgiveness.beg somebody to do something: · We all begged him not to drive in the storm, but he wouldn't listen to us.

► plead

to ask for something that you want very much, in a sincere and emotional way: · "Please forgive me," she pleaded "I'll never do it again."plead for: · The wife of one of the hostages appeared on TV last night to plead for her husband's life.plead with somebody: · Parker pleaded with his supporters in the crowd to remain calm.

► press for/push for

to ask strongly and repeatedly for something important such as a change in the law or the rules, because you think it is necessary: · People in the medical profession are pressing for genuine reforms in policy.· The team is pushing for a new stadium to be built downtown.· Women have been pressing for equal rights and pay for years.

► call for

if someone, especially a group of people, calls for something such as justice, equality etc they ask for it strongly and publicly because they think an unfair situation needs to be changed: · Amnesty International has consistently called for the release of political prisoners.· The Football Association is likely to call for a ban on alcohol at football games.· Leaders in both parties are calling for changes in campaign finance laws.

► call on/upon

if someone, especially an organization in a bad situation, calls on someone to do something, they ask strongly and urgently for that person to do it because their help is needed: call on/upon somebody to do something: · We are calling upon the government to release all political prisoners.· The Secretary called on all Americans to help stop the abuse and neglect of children.call on/upon somebody for something: · The dance company has called on ballet-lovers everywhere for financial support.

to keep asking for something in an annoying way► nag

to keep asking someone to do something, in a very annoying way: · Oh, stop nagging - I'll do it later.· Look, I don't want to keep nagging you, but would you please take your stuff out of the living room?nag somebody to do something: · My children are always nagging me to get new videos.

► go on

British informal to keep asking someone to do something that you think they should do, so that they become annoyed: go on about: · Mick went to have his hair cut just to stop his wife going on about it.go on at somebody: · Look, I'll do the dishes when I've finished writing this letter. Just stop going on at me !go on at somebody to do something: · Mum was always going on at me to do something with my musical talent, but I was more interested in sport.

► pester

to keep asking someone to do something or asking them for something in an annoying way: · She used to pester her father until she got exactly what she wanted.pester somebody to do something: · The kids are always pestering us to take them to the beach.pester somebody for something: · One of the guys at work kept pestering her for a date, so she finally reported him.

to ask for something officially► apply

to write to someone asking for something such as a job, an opportunity to study at a university, or permission to do something: · "I still haven't received my passport." "When did you apply?"apply for: · How many jobs had you applied for before you were offered this one?apply to do something: · Finland did not apply to join the EC until 1992.

► claim

especially British to ask for something, especially money, from a government, company etc, because you believe you have a legal right to have it: · Thousands of people who should get welfare payments never even bother to claim them.claim something from somebody: · The two companies are claiming $500 million each in damages from the government.claim damages/compensation: · Because the accident had not been her fault, Barbara was able to claim damages.

► request

formal to officially ask someone for something or ask someone to do something: · The pilot requested permission to land the plane at O'Hare airport.· Officials in Seoul are requesting the drug dealer's extradition from Bahrain.request that: · We request that all cell phones and pagers be turned off for the duration of the performance.be requested to do something: · Anna was requested to make the necessary arrangements for the convention.

► approach

to officially ask someone that you do not know well for something or ask them to do something, especially when you are not sure if they will do it: · Will you be approaching the bank for a loan?· They had approached Barlow to see if he would participate in the charity event.· I have been approached regarding the possibility of selling the building to a startup company.

► put in for

to ask someone for something such as a job, government money etc that is available, by officially writing to them to say that you want it: · I've put in for a transfer to one of our overseas branches.· All those who lost their jobs put in for compensation.· Students must put in for grants at least six months before their course begins.

► applicant

someone who officially asks for something such as a job, official document etc by writing or answering the questions on a form: · Ten women were selected from over 30 applicants.applicant for: · Applicants for teacher-training courses need to have at least one year's experience.job/grant etc applicant: · Many job applicants do not know how to write an appealing cover letter.

► claimant

someone who asks for something, especially money, from the government, a court etc, because they believe they have a legal right to it: · The company will settle the lawsuit and provide compensation for claimants.· Garcia is representing three Spanish-speaking claimants in their case against the state.

to ask for money or food because you do not have any► scrounge

to ask someone for food, cigarettes etc especially because you do not have enough money or would prefer not to pay for them: scrounge something off/from: · Nigel scrounged a drink off us before we left.scrounge something: · We managed to scrounge some cigarettes because we had no money left.scrounge: · When I was a kid I never had enough money for the bus, so I had to scrounge.

► cadge

British informal to ask someone for something such as food, cigarettes etc because you do not have enough money or would prefer not to pay for them: · Sonia is always cadging lifts home and she never offers any money for petrol.· The two boys moved around the bar, cadging free drinks and cigarettes.

► bum

informal to ask someone for something such as food or cigarettes, in a way that annoys or embarrasses people: · I think Steve managed to bum a lift home.bum something off somebody: · He's always bumming drinks off people and it really gets on my nerves.

► mooch off

American informal to ask someone for something such as food or cigarettes in a way that annoys or embarrasses people: mooch something/it/them off: · This old guy was trying to mooch a beer off Dave.mooch off somebody: · He never pays for anything - he'd even mooch off his own mother.

► beg

also panhandle American to ask people in the street for money or food because you do not have any: · Things got so bad that at one point she thought she'd have to go out and beg.· He just sits there on the street all day, but he doesn't panhandle.beg for: · Just a few years ago, Tanya was homeless and begging for money in front of the supermarket.beg from: · Sad-looking men of all ages beg from tourists at the corner of the square.

to ask a professional person to do some work for you► call in

to ask someone who has special skills or knowledge to come and deal with a problem: call in somebody: · They called in a private investigator to help them find their son.· Eventually the teenager's behaviour got so bad that the police had to be called in.call somebody in: · When she threatened to sue, we had to call our own lawyer in.

► send for

formal to ask a professional person or professional service to come and help you do something because you do not have the knowledge yourself: · You'll have to send for the plumber to mend this leak.· When he started vomiting blood, they sent for the doctor.· The women refused to cooperate with store detectives, and we had to send for the police.

► get in

British informal to ask someone who provides a professional service to come to your home to do something: get somebody in: · They got the electrician in because the central heating had stopped working.· It would be much easier if we got somebody in to do all the catering.get in somebody: · After the party we can get in professional carpet-cleaners to do the job.

► bring in

if someone, especially an organization, brings in a particular service or professional person, they ask them to come and help with a difficult situation or process: bring somebody in: · Everyone was a little surprised by the board's decision to bring Bob Rice in as CEO.· As the crisis worsened, the government had no choice but to bring troops in.bring in somebody: · Many schools are now bringing in private contractors to do the cleaning.

to ask for help or kindness► ask a favour

British /ask a favor American to ask someone to be kind or generous by helping you do something or by doing something for you: · Could I ask a favour? I need someone to collect the children from school tonight. Are you free?ask somebody a favour: · I need to ask you a big favor. Could you lend me $1000 till I get my tax refund?

► turn to

if someone in a very bad situation turns to someone, they ask that person for help, comfort, sympathy etc: · After my wife died I didn't know who to turn to.· Eventually I turned to an organization that helps people with drug and alcohol problems.turn to somebody for something: · When things got really bad, I turned to my family for help.

► call on

also call upon formal to ask someone for help when you have a problem and especially when they have offered to help you when they can: call on/upon somebody: · If you ever have a problem, you know that you can always call on us.call on/upon somebody for something: · Members of the religious sect are very reluctant to call on outsiders for help.call on/upon somebody to do something: · Being the only person in the office who speaks German, I'm often called upon to translate.

► appeal

to make a public request, for example on television or in the newspapers, for money, food, information etc, especially in order to help someone who is in a very bad situation: appeal for: · The Red Cross is appealing for donations of food and clothing following the earthquake.appeal to somebody for something: · The Murrays have appealed to the public for any information about their missing daughter.appeal to somebody to do something: · The speaker had appealed to the miners to vote for their union.

a statement, letter, message etc in which you ask for something► request

a statement, letter etc in which you ask for something politely or formally: · My grandfather's last request was that there should be no flowers at his funeral.request for: · She refused all requests for an interview.request that: · My request that everyone remain seated was ignored.request to do something: · Davis's request to do research rather than teach this semester is being considered.at somebody's request (=because someone makes a request): · Cummings eventually resigned at the governor's request.on/upon request (=when it is requested): · Information about our testing procedure is available on request.make a request: · Ray made a formal written request to meet with Douglas.grant somebody's request formal (=say yes to it): · The board has granted your request for funding.

► demand

a strong request saying very clearly what you want, especially when you are asking for something that someone does not want to give you: · A list of the students' demands was presented to the dean of the law school.demand for: · The union's demand for an 8% across-the-board increase is still under consideration.demand that: · A demand from your boss that you babysit his children is clearly unreasonable.demand to do something: · The government has refused the rebels' demand to release their leader from prison.make a demand: · The kidnappers made several demands in their telephone call to police.

► claim

a request for something, especially money, that someone thinks they have a legal right to have: claim for: · The local people's claims for compensation from the chemical factory have so far been ignored.make a claim: · After the fire we made a claim to our insurance company.

► petition

a document signed by many people that is given to a government or other organization asking them to do something that until now they have been unwilling to do: · A petition signed by 1000 hospital doctors will be handed to the Minister of Health at lunchtime today.· Local groups have collected 17,000 votes on a petition to recall the mayor.

► application

a letter or form that someone sends when they are asking for something such as a job, official document etc: · Since I left university I've sent off nearly fifty job applications.application for: · We're pleased to announce that your application for membership has been accepted.· The first two banks Williams visited denied her application for a loan.

► appeal

an urgent request for something important such as freedom, money etc, especially in order to help someone in a bad situation: · Dozens of relief agencies have responded to the drought-stricken country's appeal.appeal for: · The war continues as a fresh UN appeal for a ceasefire has been rejected.

► approach

especially British an official request for someone that you do not know well to do something, especially when you are not sure if they will do it: approach from: · The footballer said he'd received an approach from another team, and that he was considering the offer.make an approach: · An official approach has been made but the hostages are unlikely to be released.

► plea

a strong emotional request for someone to help you or be kind to you: · Ignoring the man's pleas, the soldier shot him in the head.plea for: · A homeless mother of six made a tearful plea for a home for her family.

to deserve something bad► deserve

if you think that someone deserves something bad that happens to them, you think it is fair that it happens because they have done something wrong or stupid: deserve to do something: · Anyone who drives like that deserves to lose their licence.deserve it (=deserve the bad things that happen): · "You really weren't very nice to her." "Well, she deserved it!"get what you deserve (=when something bad happens to you and you deserve it): · He was a bully, and in the end he got what he deserved.

► serve somebody right

spoken use this to say you think someone deserves something bad that happens to them because they have been unkind or done something stupid: serve sb right for: · "I feel terrible." "Serves you right for drinking so much last night."it serves somebody right: · It'd serve him right if Jo walked out on him.

► get what you deserve

especially spoken use this when you think someone deserves a punishment or bad experience, because it is a result of their own actions: · "Do you feel sorry for him?'' "No, he shouldn't have hit that guy -- he got what he deserved.''

► be asking for it

spoken say this when something bad happens to someone and you think they deserve it because their behaviour made it very likely to happen: · Anyone who invites a complete stranger into their house is asking for it.

► had it coming

spoken use this to say you think someone deserves something bad that happens to them, and this is what you expected to happen: · I don't feel sorry for her at all. She had it coming.had it coming to you/her etc: · "Terry's very upset about his wife leaving him." "Well he's had it coming to him for years."

► get your comeuppance

to finally get the punishment or something bad that you deserve because of the way you have behaved: · The evil Mr Grove gets his comeuppance at the end of the story.· She's callous and snobbish and it's time she got her comeuppance.

► get your just deserts

to finally get the punishment you deserve, especially after having avoided it for a long time: · Tobin finally got his just deserts, and was sentenced to 8 years' imprisonment.· This is a movie in which everyone gets their just deserts in the end.

ways of asking about direction► which way

spoken use this to ask someone the general direction that something is in, that someone is travelling in etc: · Which way are you going? Maybe we can share a cab.· "Excuse me, which way is the Natural History Museum?" "That way. Keep walking and you'll see it on the left."

► which direction

use this when you when you want to know exact details about which direction something is in, about which direction someone is travelling in etc: · Which direction do we take once we reach the top of the hill?

► ask somebody how to get to/ask somebody the way/ask the way

to ask someone the way to a place, especially when you have already started your journey: · He looked suspicious when we asked him how to get to the border.· Maggie stopped the first person she saw and asked them the way to the hospital.· I've got no idea where we are - we'll have to stop and ask the way.

► ask for directions

to ask for instructions on how to get somewhere, either before you start a journey or after you have started it: · Some people stopped as they passed, asking for directions.ask for directions to: · I asked for directions to the town hall and made my way there on foot.

► can you tell me the way to/do you know the way to

spoken use this to ask the way to somewhere: · Can you tell me the way to the harbor, please?· Excuse me, buddy - do you know the way to the beach?

► how do I get

spoken used especially when you know that someone knows the way to that place: how do I get to: · How do I get to the station from here?how do I get there/back/home etc: · I've got her address but how do I get there?

► is this the way to

spoken used especially when you have already started going somewhere and want to know if you are going the right way: · "Is this the right way to the Science Museum?" "No, you're going in the wrong direction."

to tell someone that they can come into your house, room etc► come in

spoken say come in when you want someone to come into your room, home, or office: · Come in and sit down. I'll be ready in a minute.· Marge, it's so good to see you! Come in! Come in!· "Come in," she said in answer to my second knock.

► ask somebody in/invite somebody in

to ask someone if they want to come into your home: · Stella didn't know whether to ask him in or not.· A salesman came around this morning and I made the mistake of inviting him in.ask sb in/invite sb in for: · She seemed so upset, I felt I had to ask her in for a cup of tea.

► come on in

spoken say come on in when you want someone to come into your room, home, or office, especially when you want to be friendly and make the other person feel welcome: · Hi! Come on in! Can I fix you something to drink?· "Mike, could I talk with you a minute?" "Sure, come on in."

to invite someone► invite/ask

to ask someone to come to a party, wedding, meal etc. Ask is more informal than invite: · It's going to be a big wedding - they've invited over a hundred people.· "Are you going to Emma's party?" "No, I haven't been asked."· I'd love to come -- thanks for asking me.· It is a great honour to have been invited here tonight.invite/ask somebody to a party/wedding/meal etc: · I was invited to a couple of his dinner parties last year.· Do you think we should ask Carol and Helen to the party?invite/ask somebody for lunch/dinner: · Madeleine has invited us for dinner on Saturday.invite/ask somebody to do something: · Hane's parents have asked me to come and stay with them for a couple of weeks.invite somebody over (=invite someone to your house for a meal, party etc): · It won't be a big do, we're just inviting a few close friends over.invite/ask somebody in (=invite a visitor into your home): · He invited me in for a coffee.

► invitation

when someone is invited to a party, wedding, meal etc: at somebody's invitation: · They had come aboard at Charles's invitation.turn down an invitation (=not accept it): · I'm afraid I have to turn down your invitation to dinner.accept an/somebody's invitation: · Winston gratefully accepted the invitation.

► ask somebody out

to ask someone to go to a restaurant, a film etc with you because you want to start a romantic relationship with them: · Why don't you ask her out? Or are you too shy?· You asked her out? What did she say?

► have somebody over

if you have someone over , they come to your home to have a meal or to spend time with you because you have invited them: · My father is having some colleagues over from the University tonight.· I want to have Danielle over to play with me.have somebody over for drinks/dinner etc: · We had Nick's parents over for dinner on Saturday.

► invite/ask somebody along

to invite someone to go somewhere with you and a group of other people: · Do you mind if I invite one of my friends along?· Whose idea was it to ask Danni along?

► entertain

to provide a meal or social activity for someone in your home, either because they are your friends, or because they are people you work with: · This is an easy but impressive dish if you are entertaining at home.· About a fifth of their income is spent on entertaining clients.

to not know a fact or piece of information► not know

· "What time's the next train to Paris?" "I'm sorry, I don't know."· I wish I could tell you the name of the restaurant but I honestly don't know it.not know anything about · These days, record companies are usually owned by people who don't know anything about music.not know how/what/why etc · I don't know why it is so difficult to explain the concept to people.· No one knows if there really is a Loch Ness monster, or if it's just a myth.not know (that) · My mother never knew that they'd called the police out that night.

► have no idea/not have a clue

especially spoken say this when you know nothing at all about the answer to a question, so that you cannot even guess what it might be: · "How much is this painting worth?" "I'm sorry, I've no idea."· When I asked where Louise had gone, he said he didn't have a clue.have no idea/not have a clue what/how/who etc: · That guy obviously doesn't have a clue how to put a Web page together.· I fell asleep half way through the film, and I have absolutely no idea how it ended.

► not have the faintest/slightest/foggiest idea

also not have the least idea British spoken say this when you want to say very strongly that you know nothing at all: · "Do you know where he was going after he left here?" "I don't have the slightest idea."not have the faintest/slightest/foggiest idea what/how/where etc: · I don't have the faintest idea what you're talking about -- can you explain please?· Nobody at that time had the slightest idea about how caffeine affected the body.not have the faintest/slightest/foggiest idea about: · They didn't have the least idea about how to put up a tent.

► (it) beats me

spoken say this when you do not know and cannot understand why something happens: · "What I can't understand is why they make you wait three months just to give you a stamp on your passport." "Beats me too."(it) beats me how/why etc: · It beats me how these kids can afford to spend so much money on clothes and CDs.

► don't ask me/how should I know?

spoken informal say this when it is impossible for you to know the answer to a question, especially when you are annoyed or surprised that someone has asked you: · "Why is Sharon in such a bad mood?" "How should I know - she never tells me anything."· "We figured we could pay about $200 a week, right?" "Don't ask me! I wasn't in on the conversation."

► who knows?

spoken say this when you think it is impossible for anyone to know the answer to a question: · The world might end tomorrow. Who knows?

► I give up

spoken say this when you do not know the answer to a difficult question or a joke, and you want someone to tell you: · "Guess who's coming to dinner tonight?" "I give up. Tell me."· "Why did the chicken cross the road?" "I give up, why did the chicken cross the road?"

to tell someone to do something► tell

· "Wait here!" he told the children.tell somebody to do something · The teacher told us to be quiet.· I thought I told you to be in bed by 10 o'clock!tell somebody not to do something · She told him not to phone her again.tell somebody (that) · The doctors have told me that I should give up smoking.tell somebody how/what/where etc · Don't tell me how to behave in public!· I'm in charge here, and I'm not going to have anyone telling me what to do.do as you are told (=used to tell children to obey) · Do as you're told and go and wash your hands.

► order

to tell someone to do something in a threatening way: · "Don't move", he ordered.order somebody to do something: · A man with a gun ordered the woman to give him all her money.· He was ordered to pay £4000 towards the court costs of £10,000.order somebody out of/into/back etc: · She pointed her gun at him, ordering him out of the room.

► ask somebody to do something

to tell someone politely but firmly to do something or to stop doing something: · Mr Evans, I must ask you to come with me to the police station.ask somebody not to do something: · Would you ask visitors not to park their cars in front of the entrance.

► demand

to tell someone that they must do something, especially when you are angry or impatient and want them to do it immediately: demand (that): · You should demand that they finish the job now, not some time in August.· Realizing that her husband had deceived her, she demanded that he tell her the whole truth.demand an apology/a refund etc (=tell someone that they must say they are sorry, give money back etc): · How dare you say that! I demand an apology.

► insist

to tell someone firmly and repeatedly that they must do something, especially something that they do not want to do: · I didn't want to tell dad about the fight, but he insisted.insist (that): · I wanted to pay by cheque but the landlord insisted that I pay him in cash.· They're insisting we report the matter to the police right away.

► dictate

to tell someone exactly what they must do or how they must behave, as if you had power to make them obey you: dictate to: · She refused to be dictated to by some stupid official in Washington.dictate how/what/where etc: · Your parents have no right to dictate how you should spend your money.

what you say when giving your opinion► I think/believe

spoken say this when giving your opinion. I believe is more formal than I think: I think/believe (that): · I think it's a great idea.· I believe that we can do better than this.

► in my opinion

use this especially in formal contexts: · In my opinion, most people learn best by doing, not by sitting in a classroom and reading about it.· She is, in my opinion, one of the foremost artists of our time.

► as far as I'm/we're concerned

especially spoken use this especially when you do not care if other people do not agree with your opinion: · He says he tried hard to make the relationship work, but it wasn't hard enough as far as I'm concerned.· I will not go on a plane. As far as I'm concerned, they're just accidents waiting to happen.

► if you ask me

spoken say this especially when you are giving your opinion about a particular problem: · If you ask me, getting rid of the death tax is the best thing they could do.· All this stuff about poisons in the water supply is a load of hogwash, if you ask me.

► to me

spoken say this when giving your opinion: · To me, the system seemed too complicated for most people. · They call Ned Kelly a criminal, but to me he will always be a hero.

► as I see it/the way I see it

say this when giving your opinion: · As I see it, there are two alternatives. We can either stay with your parents or rent a place.· The way I see it, if you don't borrow money now, you'll lose the opportunity to expand the business.

► personally

spoken say this to emphasize that something is your opinion: · Personally, I think it's a crazy idea.· Personally, I don't care how it gets done, as long as it's done quickly.personally speaking: · Personally speaking, I think it's a great name for a cigarette.

when you ask what time it is► ask (somebody) the time/ask (somebody) what time it is

to ask someone to tell you the time: · She was walking home near Colbayns School when a man approached her and asked her the time.· She was distracted for a moment by someone asking the time.· Go and ask Dad what time it is.· If you've got a watch, why are you asking what time it is?

► what time is it?

also what's the time? British spoken say this to ask someone you are with to tell you the time: · "What time is it?" "Just after four o'clock."· What's the time? Is it after 10?

► have you got the time?

British /do you have the time? American spoken say this to ask someone the time, when you do not know whether they have a watch: · Sorry to trouble you, but do you have the time?have the right time: · Does anyone have the right time here?have the time on you British: · Excuse me! Have you got the time on you please?

► what time do you make it?

British /what time do you have? American spoken say this when you are asking someone who has a watch, especially because you think your own watch may be wrong: · What time do you make it, Emma? My watch has stopped.· What time do you have, Dave? I don't want to miss my plane.

COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 2nouns► ask for help

· Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

► ask for assistance

(=help or support)· You can call this number to ask for assistance.

► ask for advice/ask somebody’s advice

· If you are in any doubt, ask for advice.

► ask for information

· I wrote asking for information about language classes.

► ask for directions

(=instructions how to get from one place to another)· At the station he asked for directions to the museum.

► ask for details

· Please ask for details of the full range of tickets available.

► ask for somebody’s opinion

· Dad always liked being asked for his opinion.

► ask for somebody’s support

· Labour councillors asked for our support for the proposal.

► ask for permission

· The two men entered without bothering to ask for permission.

► ask for an explanation

· When he asked for an explanation, no one could give him an answer.

COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES► ask somebody’s advice

· Can I ask your advice about something?

► ask for advice

· If in doubt, always ask for advice.

► ask/say your age

(=ask or say how old you are)· It’s rude to ask a woman her age.

► ask for/appeal for aid

· The Chinese authorities have asked for aid to help the earthquake victims.

► ask for/request assistance

· Police are at the scene and have requested assistance.

► seek/ask for clarification

I asked for clarification on the legal position.

► ask for details

· I went into the bank to ask for details about their student account.

► ask/invite somebody to dinner

· Let's ask Kate and Mike to dinner.

► ask (somebody) for directions

· Let's stop and ask someone for directions.

► ask for a discount

· I asked for a discount because the vase was slightly damaged.

► ask (somebody) for a divorce

· She asked her husband for a divorce after he had been unfaithful.

► ask a doctor

(also consult a doctor formal)· If you have any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.

► ask for/demand an explanation

· When I asked for an explanation, the people at the office said they didn't know.· Furious parents are demanding an explanation from the school.

► ask somebody a favour

(also ask a favour of somebody formal)· I felt nervous about asking Stephen a favour.

► ask/tell somebody flat out

She asked him flat out if he was seeing another woman.

► forgive me for asking/saying etc something

also forgive my asking/saying etc

Forgive me for saying so, but that’s nonsense.

Forgive my phoning you so late.

► ask/beg/pray etc for (somebody’s) forgiveness

He never admitted his guilt or asked for forgiveness.

► ask (somebody) for help

· He asked for help with the cleaning.

► attempt/do/ask etc the impossible

I just want to be able to buy healthy food at a reasonable price. Is that asking the impossible?

► ask for/apply for a loan

· He asked his father for a loan.

► ask for somebody’s hand in marriage

old-fashioned (=ask someone to marry you, or ask their parents for permission to marry)· He asked my father for my hand in marriage.

► may well ask

‘What’s all the noise?’ ‘You may well ask.’

► ask for mercy

· The only thing I can do now is ask for mercy.

► might well ask

‘What do they hope to achieve?’ ‘You might well ask.’

► ask somebody (for) their opinion

(also ask for somebody’s opinion)· We asked people for their opinions about the Olympics.· Nobody asked my opinion.· It’s a good idea to ask people for their opinions and suggestions.

► asked ... outright

If she asked me outright, I’d tell her.

► ask (for) permission

(also request permission formal)· Tommy asked for permission to go to the bathroom.· Captain Miller requested permission to land.

► say/add/ask etc pointedly

‘I thought you were leaving,’ she said pointedly.

► the asking price

(=the amount of money that someone is asking for when they are selling something, especially a house)· The property is worth more than the asking price.

► ask (somebody) a question

· Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

► be asking for trouble

(=be silly or dangerous)· It’s asking for trouble to wear high-heeled shoes on a long walk.

► ask somebody the way

· He asked me the way to the police station.

COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB► for

· An old-fashioned paper book for Ben - one he had specifically asked for - on sensory deprivation.· Method 2 Make a separate list of your own of the words children ask for while they are writing.· Whatever was asked for, the air trafficker had not replied.· To ask for things like that was totally beyond what an experienced person would ask for.· All she is asking for, she says, is to live the same kind of life as everyone else.· They will not inquire into the adequacy of the consideration he has asked for and received.· It was such a big place and nobody seemed to know the whereabouts of the junior physician she was asking for.· Don't ask for too much, Andrew.

► how

· The carers were asked how they felt about these problems, and whether any were difficult to cope with.· After I was shaved, I asked how much it would cost.· I would accept this for the moment, without asking how each unit does its own particular thing.· The next day at work, Arthur called to ask how I was doing.· He's asked how he feels.· Rosewater greeted her with melodious warmth, asked how she was today.· Marek asked how much progress she had made in her murder investigation.· First, let's ask how much money Lake County schools spend per pupil on education.

► why

· I ask why she thinks it is so much better for people to wear clothes.· It seems germane, although not particularly gracious, to ask why Huckelberry didn't try to preserve the entire ranch.· Pennethorne immediately complained to Hall, asking why he had lost the work.· There was no point asking why they did not use the local veterinary clinics.· It may be asked why psychiatry has made such heavy weather of coming round to that view.· When asked why politicians repeat their names over and over, he shrugs his shoulders in helpless reply.· The question could well be asked why jadeite lost its symbolic role during the Bronze Age.· Luce was about to ask why, when she noticed a set of traffic-lights.

NOUN► advice

· If you have an existing bedframe, always ask for advice, as the wrong combination may cause damage to the mattress.· They asked me for advice about going into the world.· One girl stopped the others to ask advice about how to write down the ghostly sound of a door opening.· But I was the one asking for advice.· A number of readers have asked for more advice on entries that cover matches in pairs and trios.· And she did not permit Susan to ask what the advice might be.· You may well be asked for your advice.· I called Professor Sano, our former department head, and asked his advice.

► permission

· Not until Monday this week did the party ask his permission to make the donation public.· That year, when I was four, I asked permission to escape the suffocating confines of our darkened apartment.· Had it been a different matter I would of course have asked your permission.· Race organizers had asked permission of the various countries whose airspace could be involved.· She says she didn't feel under any obligation to ask his permission.· They expect me to ask their permission to go back home.· If so, ask for the planning permission.· When I was transferred to another engineering division, I asked special permission for that sergeant to go with me.

► question

· As each question is asked each team goes into a huddle and then writes down its answer.· A man approached him at the automotive flea market, offering $ 5, 000 in cash, no questions asked.· First, the questions asked in the surveys related to behaviour over different time periods.· A weekend away with a former love, no questions asked?· Further down a big Negro with a badly beaten face was shaking his head in the negative to every question asked him.· None the less, this is the question Albright must now ask.· I had only three questions to ask him.

PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► ask yourself something► if you ask me

All this stuff about poisons in the water supply is a load of hogwash, if you ask me.
He's just plain crazy if you ask me.
If you ask me, getting rid of the death tax is the best thing they could do.
But the policeman wouldn't even have noticed, if you ask me.
Good for him, if you ask me.
Hanging around the house with a parson has saved the day, if you ask me.
He's too keen, if you ask me.
I give him my input if he asks me.
Looks as if it should have been done hours ago, if you ask me.
The bloke who made up those tests was the real loony if you ask me.
There's more dies than lives in these alleys, if you ask me.

► don’t ask me

"How does this thing work?" "Don't ask me!"

► don’t ask

"What did he want you to do?" "Oh, don't ask."

► be asking for it

Anyone who invites a complete stranger into their house is asking for it.
It would only mean he might let her down again, and that would be asking for it.
Perhaps she ought not to have spoken so bluntly, even though he was asking for it.

► be somebody’s for the asking

It can be had for the asking.
Liverpool was taking a beating, and rumours were free for the asking on every street corner and in every food queue.
The men we pass on the street look me over, as if I too might be available for the asking.
These data are there for the asking, and they can provide a shortcut to long hours of interviews and observations.
Tomatoes are free for the asking, sacks of tomatoes are thrust on you after church.

► I/you can’t/couldn’t ask for a better something► be asking for trouble

Anyone who buys second-hand car tires is just asking for trouble.
Walking around downtown late at night is just asking for trouble.
You'd better check the oil in your car. Otherwise you're just asking for trouble.
You need to have a good knowledge of the industry before you buy stocks, or you're asking for trouble.
Certainly don't put them one in front of the other, as this is asking for trouble.
If you leave your wallet unattended on the beach while frolicking in the waves, you are asking for trouble.
It was asking for trouble especially if you wore glasses like him.
Kitty was totally preoccupied with the threatened invasion, and to tell her this would be asking for trouble.
One cautious council member thought the parish would be asking for trouble by starting a sister-parish relationship in a war zone.
Producing a play without an interval these days is asking for trouble.
That would simply be asking for trouble!

PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► speak/ask/answer etc directly

Although they never spoke directly of Lachlan, each knew the other's mind; though not as well as she believed.
Dole spoke directly about his age, saying 73 years of life are not a liability.
Even when asked directly, as they were by Carol Hong, employees misrepresented the costs, her lawsuit alleges.
In fact, a Harvard spokesman confirmed her admittance only when asked directly.
Later she spoke directly to Rachel.
They seem to speak directly out of the dark into your ears or mine alone.
This is, however, a book that speaks directly to the home cook looking for new challenges and tastes.
When asked directly what were their visions of Howdendyke's future, interviewees made fairly consistent replies.

► I hate to ask/interrupt/disturb etc

Martin I hate to disturb you when you're cooking the books, but there's a delivery.

► might I say/ask/add etc

And what happened to yours, might I ask?

► if you don’t mind my saying so/if you don’t mind me asking► ask for the moon► need I ask/need I say more/need I go on etc?► pardon me for interrupting/asking/saying

Pardon me for asking, but where did you buy your shoes?

► ask/beg somebody’s pardon (for something)

I am ashamed of it myself, and for this reason I stoop to beg your pardon.
I ask you to pardon me.
In 1182, he asked formally for pardon, prostrating himself before Barbarossa.

► be yours for the taking/asking