i ask him

USAGE SUMMARY

"I ask him" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to indicate that the speaker is asking a question or seeking information from another person. Example: "I ask him about his plans for the weekend, but he just shrugs and says he hasn't made any yet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I ask him again.

The New Yorker

I ask him why.

Independent

I ask him for details.

Independent

I ask him what happened.

The New Yorker

I ask him for advice".

Independent

"Why?" I ask him.

The Guardian

"Where haven't you been?" I ask him.

Independent

I ask him about the drought.

The New York Times

"I ask him to help me".

The New York Times - Sports

I ask him what that self is.

The New York Times - Magazine

I ask him to wait a moment.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I ask him" to introduce a direct question or request for information within a narrative or dialogue.

Common error

Avoid using "I ask him" in formal academic or business writing. Opt for more formal alternatives like "I inquired of him" or "I requested information from him" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I ask him" functions as a declarative statement introducing a question or request directed to another person. It is commonly used to set the stage for dialogue or to report an interaction, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I ask him" is a common and grammatically correct way to introduce a question or request directed towards another person, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media sources, this phrase serves to report direct interactions. While generally neutral in tone, more formal alternatives may be preferred in academic or professional contexts. Knowing when and how to use "I ask him" ensures clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I questioned him

Replaces "ask" with a more formal verb, implying a deeper or more thorough inquiry.

I inquired of him

Uses a more formal and less common verb for "ask", suitable for formal contexts.

I put the question to him

Emphasizes the act of posing a specific question to the individual.

I requested information from him

Focuses on the request for information rather than just asking a question.

I sought his opinion

Specifically targets seeking an opinion, adding a layer of meaning related to perspective.

I consulted him

Suggests a more deliberative process, implying seeking advice or guidance.

I demanded an answer from him

Conveys a more forceful tone, indicating a requirement for a response.

I pressed him for details

Implies persistence in seeking specific information.

I sounded him out

Suggests a subtle approach to elicit information or gauge his feelings.

I quizzed him

Suggests a playful or informal questioning session.

FAQs

How can I use "I ask him" in a sentence?

Use "I ask him" to introduce a question or request directed towards another person. For example, "I ask him about his day", or "I ask him to help me with this task".

What are some alternatives to "I ask him"?

Alternatives include "I questioned him", "I inquired of him", or "I requested information from him", depending on the context and level of formality required.

Is "I ask of him" grammatically correct?

While "I ask him" is standard, "I ask of him" is less common but can be used to emphasize the act of seeking something from him. However, "I ask him" is generally preferred for its simplicity and directness.

What's the difference between "I ask him" and "I am asking him"?

"I ask him" is in the simple present tense, often used to describe a habitual action or a statement of fact. "I am asking him" is in the present continuous tense, indicating an action in progress. For example, "Every day, I ask him about his work", versus "I am asking him for his opinion right now".