0
Teo Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

ask... of

1. Can I ask you a question? 2. Can I ask a question of you?


3. He asks his good friend some questions. 4. He asks some questions of his good friend.

http://140.111.66.37/english/96/gra/07give/fin/form.doc

#1 and #3 are correct. are #2 and #4 really acceptable?



  

Top answer

" #2 would probably not be used much in casual conversation. " would be even more acceptable. Regards, -A.

— Avangi

  • " #2 would probably not be used much in casual conversation.
  • " would be even more acceptable.
  • Regards, -A.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

5 Answers
0
Hi Teo,

I think they're all "really acceptable." #2 would probably not be used much in casual conversation.

"May I ask you a question?" would be even more acceptable.

Regards, -A.
0
0
"May I ask a favor of you" is very common.
0
0
Philip"May I ask a favor of you" is very common.
Did you imply that the structure "ask a question/questions of someone" is unidiomatic NOW?
0
0
Teo
Philip"May I ask a favor of you" is very common.
Did you imply that the structure "ask a question/questions of someone" is unidiomatic NOW?
I would agree with Avangi's response to your post. I only added an instance where "ask" + "of" is also common.
0
0
This is also commonly used:

That's a lot to ask of him.
0

Related Questions