I asked him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I asked him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a past action of inquiring or requesting information from someone. Example: "I asked him if he would join us for dinner this weekend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

So I asked him.

The New Yorker

I asked him again.

The New York Times

"I asked him: 'How?

The New York Times

"Taliban?" I asked him.

The New Yorker

"I asked him why.

The New York Times

I asked him what happened.

Independent

I asked him about demographics.

The New Yorker

I asked him to explain.

The New York Times

I asked him to stop.

The New York Times

I asked him why not.

The New Yorker

I asked him how often.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I asked him", ensure the context clearly indicates what you asked. Adding specific details enhances clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "I asked him" without a clear antecedent for 'him'. Ensure the person you are referring to has been previously mentioned or is otherwise obvious to the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I asked him" functions as a declarative clause, reporting an action of seeking information or a request from another person. As indicated by Ludwig, this is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I asked him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves the purpose of reporting an inquiry or request directed to another person. The phrase maintains a neutral tone, making it appropriate for diverse contexts, predominantly appearing in news and media. Its versatility and clarity make it a reliable choice in writing and conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I inquired of him

This alternative is more formal and suggests a deliberate and polite request for information.

I questioned him

This alternative suggests a more formal or investigative tone, implying a series of questions.

I posed the question to him

This alternative emphasizes the act of presenting a specific question.

I put the question to him

Similar to posing a question, but can also imply a challenging or difficult question.

I requested information from him

This phrase directly states the act of seeking information.

I wanted to know from him

This alternative is more conversational, indicating a desire for information.

I solicited his opinion

This alternative specifically seeks his viewpoint or judgment.

I consulted him

This implies seeking advice or guidance, rather than just information.

I sounded him out

This idiomatic phrase suggests subtly trying to discover his thoughts or feelings.

I picked his brain

This is an informal way of saying you asked him a lot of questions to get information.

FAQs

How do I use "I asked him" in a sentence?

Use "I asked him" to report a question or request you made to someone in the past. For example, "I asked him about his plans for the weekend."

What can I say instead of "I asked him"?

You can use alternatives like "I inquired of him", "I questioned him", or "I posed the question to him" depending on the context.

Is "I asked of him" grammatically correct?

While "I asked him" is the standard and more common usage, "I asked of him" is grammatically correct but sounds archaic or overly formal. It's generally better to use "I asked him" in modern English.

What's the difference between "I asked him" and "I asked him to"?

"I asked him" implies you requested information or an opinion. "I asked him to" implies you requested him to perform an action. For example, "I asked him his opinion" versus "I asked him to help me."