just ask him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "just ask him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when suggesting that someone should inquire or seek information from a specific person. Example: "If you're unsure about the schedule, just ask him for clarification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Just ask him.

The New York Times - Sports

"So just ask him that.

The New York Times

He's a gun nut — just ask him.

The New York Times

I just ask him questions about hockey and he's there".

The New York Times - Sports

If you need cooking advice or preparation, just ask him.

The Guardian - Travel

Just ask him to name the quarterback of the New England Patriots or the Denver Broncos.

The New York Times - Sports

If you find it so disturbing, why not just ask him?

The New York Times - Magazine

Just ask him, before hiring, the approximate rate to reach your destination.

Independent

Alex has quite the large head and knows pretty much everything about anything, just ask him!

The New York Times

If Alicia has a crush on him, why doesn't she just ask him on a date?

The New Yorker

It would be difficult to find a defensive coach as imaginative as Ryan — just ask him.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "just ask him" when you want to suggest a straightforward way to obtain information or clarification from a specific person.

Common error

While "just ask him" is perfectly acceptable in many situations, avoid using it in highly formal or professional communications where a more respectful tone is expected. Opt for phrases like "Please inquire with him" or "Kindly consult him" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "just ask him" functions as an imperative, directly instructing or suggesting that someone should seek information or clarification from a particular person. This is evident from the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "just ask him" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to suggest a simple way to obtain information from a specific person. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English. While versatile, it's best suited for informal and neutral contexts like news and media. When communicating in formal or professional settings, consider alternatives such as "inquire with him" or "consult him directly" to maintain a more respectful tone. This guidance helps ensure effective and appropriate use of the phrase in various situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simply ask him

This alternative replaces "just" with "simply", emphasizing the ease of asking.

go ahead and ask him

This alternative adds a sense of encouragement or permission to ask.

why not ask him

This alternative suggests asking as a solution to a problem or uncertainty.

try asking him

This alternative proposes asking as a possible course of action.

inquire with him

This alternative uses a more formal verb, "inquire", suitable for professional settings.

consult him directly

This alternative emphasizes the directness of seeking information from the person.

seek his input

This alternative focuses on getting his perspective or advice.

get his opinion

This alternative highlights seeking his view on a matter.

check with him

This alternative is more casual and suggests a quick confirmation.

have a word with him

This alternative implies a brief conversation to get the information.

FAQs

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

To sound more formal, you could use phrases like "inquire with him", "consult him directly", or "seek his input".

When is it appropriate to use "just ask him"?

It's appropriate in informal settings, with friends, family, or colleagues you're comfortable with. It suggests a direct and easy way to get information.

Is "just ask him" grammatically correct?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It functions as an imperative phrase, directly instructing someone to ask a specific person.

What's a more indirect way of suggesting someone ask him something?

Instead of "just ask him", you could say "maybe you could ask him" or "it might be worth asking him".