ask him for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask him for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when requesting someone to seek information or assistance from another person. Example: "If you need clarification on the project, don't hesitate to ask him for help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I ask him for details.

Independent

I ask him for advice".

Independent

Two girls ask him for a light.

The New Yorker

Ask him for $1m now".

The Guardian - Opinion

Just don't ask him for any gossip.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I ask him for tips on writing.

The Guardian

I ask him for his prescription.

The Guardian

"I pray and ask him for help.

The New York Times - Magazine

She decided that she could ask him for a referral.

The New York Times

"I didn't really ask him for his opinion".

The New York Times

"Maybe he's afraid somebody's going to ask him for his".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "ask him for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what you are requesting. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "ask him for" without specifying what you are asking for. Saying "ask him for help" is better than simply saying "ask him".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask him for" functions as a verb phrase indicating a request or solicitation directed towards a male individual. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a grammatically sound construction used to express the act of seeking something from someone. Many examples demonstrate its utility in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Wiki

34%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ask him for" is a common and grammatically correct way to express requesting something from a male individual. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as in Wiki contexts, and serves the purpose of eliciting information, assistance, or an object. While generally neutral, it's important to specify the object of the request for clarity. Related phrases offer alternatives for different levels of formality or directness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get it from him

More informal and direct.

request it of him

More formal and emphasizes the act of requesting.

seek it from him

Emphasizes the act of searching or trying to obtain something.

solicit it from him

Implies a more formal or official request.

inquire of him about it

More formal and indirect, focusing on asking for information.

obtain it from him

Focuses on the act of getting or acquiring something.

require it of him

Indicates a formal necessity or obligation.

procure it from him

A more formal and less common way of saying 'obtain'.

demand it from him

Implies a forceful request or expectation.

expect it from him

Suggests anticipation or a sense of entitlement.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "ask him for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "request it of him", "solicit it from him", or "inquire of him about it" depending on the specific context.

What's a more direct alternative to "ask him for"?

If you want to be more direct, you can say "get it from him" or simply state your request directly: "Can you provide [specific item/information]?"

Is it always necessary to specify what you're asking for after "ask him for"?

Yes, for clarity, it's best to specify what you are asking for. Instead of just saying "ask him for something", be specific like "ask him for advice" or "ask him for directions".

When is it appropriate to use "ask him for" in writing?

It's appropriate in most contexts, from informal to formal. However, consider your audience. In highly formal settings, a more sophisticated phrase like "request it of him" might be more suitable.