0 present participle of ask
1 to put a question to someone, or to request an answer from someone:
[ + two objects ] She asked me a question.
[ + question word ] I've no idea what time the train leaves. Ask the guard whether he knows.
[ + speech ] "What time does the train leave?" I asked.
2 to speak or write to someone saying that you want them to do something, to give you something, or to allow you to do something:
She asked (her manager) if/whether she could leave early to pick up the kids.
I asked to see my accountant.
You should ask (your accountant) for some financial advice.
[ + to infinitive ] You should ask your accountant to give you some financial advice.
You have to ask permission to leave.
formal We ask that any faulty goods be returned in their original packaging.
[ + that ] formal The solicitor asked that her client be allowed to make a phone call.
3 to request or invite someone to go somewhere with you or to come to your home:
[ + to infinitive ] US I've asked David to come to the party.
"Are you going to Muriel's party?" "No, I haven't been asked."
First I'd like to ask you a few questions about your childhood.
He told me - and this is strictly entre nous - that he's going to ask Ruth to marry him.
