ask about something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask about something" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when you want to inquire or seek information regarding a specific topic or issue. Example: "I would like to ask about the new project deadlines." Alternative expressions include "inquire about" and "query about."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

36 human-written examples

But now I want to ask about something less lovely: drugs.

The New Yorker

One of the U.S. managers took the opportunity to ask about something that had puzzled him.

Harvard Business Review

12.03pm: Ed Miliband says he wants to ask about something Kenneth Clarke said recently.

The Guardian

The auditing agent may get the idea to ask about something he hasn't thought about.

The New Yorker

But it's not masks now, it's faces forcing through the white wall of oblivion to breathe, to ask about something.

The New Yorker

I have spoken to refs after games, just to ask about something that had occurred during a game.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

But many asked about something else.

The New York Times - Health

But she was being asked about something quite different.

The New York Times

In the conversation at the N.Y.P.L., he was asked about something he had written.

The New Yorker

Usually asking about something that involved calling university staff, who are often hard to reach and gone by Friday afternoon.

The New York Times

Today, we're asking about something that is never supposed to be discussed among proper society: religion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ask about something", ensure the context clearly indicates what you are seeking information about. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the topic or issue directly.

Common error

Avoid using "ask about something" without specifying what the 'something' is. Ensure clarity by explicitly mentioning the topic of inquiry to avoid confusion or misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask about something" functions as a verb phrase used to express an inquiry or request for information regarding a specific topic. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from casual conversations to formal inquiries.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask about something" is a versatile and commonly used expression for initiating inquiries across various contexts. According to Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and frequent appearance in reputable sources, such as The New York Times and The Guardian, affirm its reliability. To enhance clarity, it's crucial to specify the 'something' to avoid ambiguity. By considering these nuances, you can effectively use this phrase in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inquire about something

This is a more formal alternative, suitable for professional or academic settings.

ask questions about something

This is more explicit about the act of questioning.

enquire about something

This is a British English variant of "inquire about", indicating regional variation.

seek information on something

Focuses on the goal of obtaining information, rather than the act of asking.

make inquiries regarding something

This is a very formal and often legalistic way to phrase the inquiry.

raise questions about something

Highlights the act of bringing up a point for discussion.

probe into something

Suggests a more thorough and investigative approach to questioning.

query something

A more concise and direct way of asking about something, often used in technical contexts.

investigate something

This suggests a more formal and in-depth examination, rather than a simple inquiry.

explore something

Implies a broader and more open-ended inquiry, often used in research or learning contexts.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "ask about something"?

You can use alternatives like "inquire about something", "ask questions about something", or "enquire about something depending on the context.

How to use "ask about something" in a sentence?

The phrase "ask about something" is used to inquire or seek information regarding a specific topic. For example, "I need to ask about the project deadline".

Which is correct, "ask about something" or "ask something about"?

"Ask about something" is generally the more common and grammatically correct phrasing. "Ask something about" is less conventional but may be acceptable in certain informal contexts.

What's the difference between "ask about something" and "look into something"?

"Ask about something" implies a direct inquiry for information, while "look into something" suggests a more investigative or exploratory approach to understanding a topic.