ask him if

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ask him if" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used when requesting information or clarification from someone else. Example: "Could you please ask him if the meeting has been rescheduled?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I ask him if he's joking.

The New York Times

I ask him if success changed him.

The Guardian - Music

I ask him if he's negging me.

The Guardian

Ask him if he wants pizza".

The New Yorker

I ask him if I'm going to die.

The New Yorker

She would ask him if he thought she looked colored.

The New Yorker

Poor kid, ask him if he wants a ride.

The New Yorker

You ask him if he's ever read any Wentworth.

The New Yorker

"Ask him if he has a spare bo ssäm".

The New Yorker

I ask him if I can have a cigarette.

The New Yorker

I ask him if his marines are all right.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using this phrase in formal contexts, consider more formal alternatives such as "inquire whether he".

Common error

Avoid using "ask him if" in situations where a more direct command or request is appropriate. Overusing it can make your communication seem hesitant or lacking authority.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ask him if" functions as an indirect interrogative clause, introducing a question embedded within a statement. It is used to report a request for information or confirmation. Ludwig indicates it is a correct and usable part of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

39%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ask him if" is a common and grammatically correct way to request information or confirmation from a third party. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s widely used and accepted in written English. While versatile, its register leans towards neutral to informal, suggesting that in highly formal contexts, alternatives like "inquire whether he" might be more appropriate. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity in identifying whom "him" refers to, to prevent ambiguity. Understanding its nuances will enhance your communication effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

check if he

This is a more casual and direct way to ask if something is the case.

see whether he

Similar to "check if", but slightly more formal and implies observation.

find out if he

This suggests a more active search for information, implying some effort may be required.

could you ask him whether

This is a polite request for someone else to inquire on your behalf.

learn if he

Implies acquiring knowledge about something from him.

inquire whether he

This alternative is more formal and indirect, suitable for professional or academic contexts.

would you mind asking him if

A very polite and indirect request, suitable when you want to be particularly respectful.

determine if he

This implies a need for certainty and a process of investigation to reach a conclusion.

ascertain whether he

A formal and somewhat old-fashioned way to say "find out if".

get confirmation from him if

This emphasizes the need for a verified response.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "inquire whether he", "ascertain if he", or "request confirmation regarding whether he".

What's a more casual alternative to "ask him if"?

In informal settings, you can use phrases like "check if he", "see if he", or simply "find out if he".

Is there a difference between "ask him if" and "ask him whether"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Whether" is often considered slightly more formal than "if", but the difference is minimal. Consider using "ask him whether" in formal or legal contexts.

How do I avoid ambiguity when using "ask him if"?

Ensure the context makes it clear who "him" refers to. If there's a chance of confusion, explicitly name the person: "Ask John if he..."