Ask vs ask for

Question

Hello,I really need your help. Please, explain the difference between ask vs ask for. In what cases we should use for? Does it change the meaning? I searched in the net but didn't find an explanation.Why do we say 'I asked him the way to the bank' but'I spopped someone to ask for the directions'?

Avangi · Accepted Answer

In some cases it's optional: I asked him [for] the time.
It's okay to say "I stopped him to ask directions."

I'd say that skipping the "for" when it's optional sounds a bit formal.

If you're asking for something concrete, the "for" is usually required.
I asked him for a ride home.
I asked him for the loan of five dollars.

Hmmm, I see your point. Why do we not say, "I asked him for the way to the bank"? (You could.)

Generally speaking, we use "for" when he's going to give you something which you name ("directions").
May I ask for directions to the bank? (It's still optional.)

I think "I asked him five dollars" is grammatical, but rarely used in modern English.

In some rare cases, "for" could cause ambiguity, but I can't seem to think of a good example.
I asked him the bus to New York. I want to know which bus goes to New York.
I asked him for the bus to New York.I want him to give it to me.

CalifJim · Answer

When you form a question you ask it. You say words that form the question.

When you want something, you ask for it. You request that something be given to you.
When you want permission to do something, you ask to do it. You request permission.
When you want someone else to do something, you ask them to do it. You request a favor.

I asked two questions at the meeting.
I asked whether he wanted a cup of coffee. (I asked, "Do you want a cup of coffee?")

I asked the name of the man with the black suit. (I asked, "What is the name of the man with the black suit?")
I asked Sally if she knew how to solve the problem. (I asked, "Sally, do you know how to solve the problem?")

I asked for a receipt. (Please give me a receipt.)
I asked for an explanation. (Please give me an explanation.)
I asked for more time to complete the exam. (Please give me more time.)
I asked for advice regarding my investments. (Please give me some advice.)

I asked to leave early tomorrow. (Please give me permission to leave early tomorrow.)
I asked to speak before the committee. (Please give me permission to speak before the committee.)

I asked Jerry to lend me some money. (Please, Jerry, give me some money.)
I asked Susan to wait for me at the restaurant. (Please, Susan, wait for me at the restaurant.)

Sometimes, there is more than one way to say it:

I asked for proof. / I asked to see proof.
I asked Karen for money. / I asked Karen to give me money.

CJ

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