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B1 verb (present participle/gerund) #46 よく出る 15分で読める

asking

上位46

練習する例文メモとヒント asking 30秒で

解説 asking in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'asking' is one of the first action words you learn. It is used to talk about things you are doing right now. For example, 'I am asking a question.' It is very simple. You use it when you want to know something or when you want something. You might hear your teacher say, 'Are you asking me for help?' It is part of the 'Present Continuous' tense, which we use for things happening at this moment. You also see it in very simple requests. It is a friendly word. You don't need to worry about complex rules yet. Just remember that 'asking' usually means you are looking for an answer or a thing. It is the 'ing' form of 'ask.' If you can say 'I am asking,' you are already doing great! You will use it at school, at home, and when you meet new people. It is a very helpful word for beginners because it helps you get what you need.

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At the A2 level, you start to use 'asking' in more ways. You can use it to talk about the past, like 'He was asking about you yesterday.' This shows that something was happening for a while. You also learn that 'asking' can be used with different words like 'for' and 'about.' You 'ask for' a sandwich, but you 'ask about' the time. This is an important difference. You might also use 'asking' to describe what someone else is doing. For example, 'The man is asking for directions.' You are becoming more comfortable with the '-ing' ending. You also start to see 'asking' as a way to be polite. Instead of just saying 'Give me,' you say 'I am asking for...' This makes your English sound much better. You will hear this word in shops, in stories, and when you talk to your friends about your day. It is a key word for basic daily communication.

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At the B1 level, you understand that 'asking' is not just a verb but can also act like a noun (a gerund). For example, in the sentence 'Asking for help is important,' the word 'asking' is the subject. You also use it in more complex sentences with words like 'if' or 'whether.' For example, 'I am asking whether you can come to the party.' This is more advanced than a simple question. You also start to learn common phrases and idioms. You might hear someone say 'You're asking for trouble!' This means you are doing something that will cause a problem. At this level, you should be careful with prepositions. Remember, we don't say 'asking to him,' we just say 'asking him.' You are also learning to use 'asking' to describe a situation, like 'The boss is asking for the reports.' It's a versatile word that helps you explain intentions and ongoing requests clearly in both speaking and writing.

At the B2 level, you use 'asking' with much more nuance. You can use it in participle phrases to make your writing more professional. For example: 'Asking for silence, the teacher began the lesson.' This shows two things happening at once. You also understand the social 'weight' of the word. You know when to use 'asking' and when to use a more formal word like 'requesting' or 'inquiring.' You are comfortable with idioms like 'it's for the asking' (meaning it's easy to get) or 'asking for the moon' (asking for something impossible). You can also use 'asking' to talk about abstract concepts, such as 'asking for transparency' in government. Your grammar is more precise, and you rarely make mistakes with the objects of the verb. You understand that 'asking' can be a way to negotiate or influence others, and you can use it effectively in debates or professional discussions to seek clarification or challenge an idea politely.

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At the C1 level, you have a sophisticated command of 'asking.' You use it to convey subtle shades of meaning. You might use it in complex grammatical structures, such as 'He went about asking everyone their opinion,' where 'asking' is part of a phrasal construction. You understand the pragmatic implications of 'asking'—how it can be used to soften a command or to imply a challenge without being direct. You are familiar with academic and literary uses, such as 'The author is asking the reader to consider the ethical implications of the protagonist's actions.' You can distinguish between 'asking,' 'soliciting,' 'petitioning,' and 'querying' with ease, choosing the exact word that fits the register of your conversation or text. You also recognize 'asking' in high-level idiomatic expressions and can use them naturally in conversation. Your use of 'asking' contributes to a fluid, native-like command of the language, allowing you to navigate complex social and professional landscapes with confidence.

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At the C2 level, your use of 'asking' is completely natural and highly nuanced. You understand the word's role in the finest points of English rhetoric and style. You can use 'asking' in highly complex, multi-clause sentences without losing clarity. You are aware of the historical and etymological roots of the word and how they influence its current usage. You can play with the word in creative writing, using it to set a specific tone or to characterize a speaker's personality. You understand the most obscure idioms and can even use 'asking' in a self-referential or ironic way. For you, 'asking' is a tool that can be used for everything from delicate diplomatic negotiations to sharp intellectual inquiry. You can analyze the use of 'asking' in legal documents or classic literature, noting how its meaning shifts depending on the context. Your mastery is such that you can use the word to achieve specific rhetorical effects, such as using a gerund phrase to create a sense of mounting pressure or persistent inquiry in a narrative.

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練習する例文メモとヒント

asking 30秒で

Asking is the '-ing' form of the verb 'ask,' used for ongoing questions or requests.
It can function as a verb (He is asking) or a noun (Asking is hard).
Commonly paired with 'for' (requesting things) or 'about' (seeking information).
Essential for daily communication, from simple questions to complex social negotiations.

The word asking serves as the present participle and gerund form of the verb 'to ask.' At its core, it represents the fundamental human drive to seek information, clarification, or assistance. When we talk about asking, we are describing a bridge between ignorance and knowledge, or between a need and its fulfillment. In social contexts, asking is the primary tool for negotiation and boundary-setting. It is not merely the act of uttering a question; it is a complex social performance that involves timing, tone, and the assessment of social hierarchies. Whether you are asking a stranger for directions or asking a partner for their hand in marriage, the word encompasses a vast spectrum of emotional weight and intentionality. In the modern digital age, asking has expanded to include interactions with search engines and artificial intelligence, where the 'ask' is often referred to as a prompt. This evolution shows that while the medium changes, the core action of seeking remains a constant pillar of communication.

Inquiry: The process of seeking information by questioning. For example, 'Asking about the weather' is a standard social lubricant.
Requesting: The act of politely or formally asking for something to be given or done. 'Asking for a favor' requires a specific social tact.
Inviting: Specifically used in romantic or social contexts, such as 'asking someone out' on a date.

She spent the entire afternoon asking difficult questions during the press conference, refusing to let the politician evade the truth.

Beyond simple information retrieval, 'asking' often carries a connotation of vulnerability. To ask is to admit that one does not have the answer or the resource required. This is why many cultures have specific etiquette surrounding the act. In some cultures, asking directly is seen as rude or aggressive, whereas in others, it is viewed as a sign of efficiency and honesty. The gerund form 'asking' can also function as a noun, as in the phrase 'it's a big asking,' though 'ask' is more common in that specific business slang. Furthermore, 'asking' can describe a state of being or a consequence, such as 'asking for trouble,' which implies that one's current actions are likely to result in a negative outcome. This idiomatic use highlights how the word transcends literal speech and enters the realm of behavioral consequences.

By ignoring the safety warnings, he was practically asking for an accident to happen.

In literature and rhetoric, the act of asking is often used to engage the audience. Rhetorical questions—questions where the speaker is not actually 'asking' for an answer but making a point—rely on the structure of the ask to create impact. In this sense, 'asking' becomes a stylistic tool. In psychological terms, the 'asking' phase of childhood development (the 'why' stage) is a critical milestone in cognitive growth. It represents the moment a child realizes that the world is a collection of facts that can be decoded through language. Thus, 'asking' is not just a verb; it is a fundamental cognitive process that drives human civilization forward, from the first philosophers asking about the nature of existence to modern scientists asking about the origins of the universe.

The professor was asking the students to reconsider their preconceived notions about history.

Direct Asking: Clear and unambiguous. 'I am asking for your help.'
Indirect Asking: Polite or suggestive. 'I was wondering if you could help me,' which functions as the act of asking without the imperative tone.

Stop asking me the same thing over and over again; the answer is still no.

The charity is asking for donations to support the relief efforts in the affected areas.

Gerund Usage: When 'asking' acts as a noun. 'Asking is the first step toward learning.'

Using 'asking' correctly requires an understanding of its dual role as a present participle (forming continuous tenses) and a gerund (acting as a noun). When used as a participle, it typically follows a form of the verb 'to be.' For instance, in the sentence 'He is asking for directions,' 'asking' describes an ongoing action in the present. This structure is vital for conveying the immediacy of the request. If you change the auxiliary verb, you change the timeframe: 'They were asking about you' shifts the action to the past, suggesting a period of time where your name was a topic of conversation. The versatility of 'asking' allows it to blend into various complex sentence structures, including those involving modal verbs or passive constructions, although 'being asked' is the more common passive form.

If you keep asking nicely, they might eventually agree to your proposal.

As a gerund, 'asking' can occupy the subject or object position in a sentence. 'Asking for help is a sign of strength' uses 'asking' as the subject, turning the action into a concept. This is a powerful way to discuss the act of inquiry in an abstract sense. You can also use it after certain verbs that require a gerund, such as 'enjoy,' 'avoid,' or 'consider.' For example, 'She avoided asking about his ex-wife' shows the action as something being bypassed. Understanding these grammatical placements is key to achieving fluency, as it allows the speaker to move beyond simple subject-verb-object patterns into more sophisticated descriptive language. It is also important to note the prepositions that frequently follow 'asking,' such as 'for' (when requesting an object or favor) or 'about' (when seeking information).

Continuous Tense: Subject + be + asking. 'I am asking you to listen.'
Gerund as Subject: Asking + verb. 'Asking questions is encouraged in this classroom.'

Without asking for permission, he took the car for a joyride.

Another nuanced use of 'asking' is in participle phrases that provide additional information about the main subject of the sentence. For example, 'Asking for silence, the conductor raised his baton.' Here, 'asking' describes an action performed by the conductor simultaneously with or just before the main action. This is a common feature of narrative writing and formal reporting. It creates a sense of flow and helps to connect related actions without the need for repetitive 'and' conjunctions. Mastering this use of 'asking' can significantly improve the rhythm of your writing, making it feel more professional and cohesive. It allows you to set the scene or provide motivation for the primary action of the sentence in a concise manner.

The customer is asking whether the product comes with a lifetime warranty.

By asking the right people, we managed to find the secret entrance to the club.

Participle Phrase: 'Asking for help, the hiker waved his arms.' (The phrase modifies the hiker).

The report concludes by asking for further investment in renewable energy sources.

In everyday life, 'asking' is one of the most frequently used words in the English language because it describes a universal social interaction. You will hear it in the workplace constantly: 'I’m asking for an update on the project,' or 'Management is asking everyone to work late.' In these contexts, 'asking' often acts as a polite euphemism for a command. When a boss is 'asking' you to do something, it is rarely optional, but the use of the word 'asking' maintains a level of professional courtesy and mutual respect. Similarly, in customer service, you will hear phrases like 'Thank you for asking,' which acknowledges the customer's interest or concern. This usage is crucial for building rapport and ensuring that the communication channel remains open and positive.

'Are you asking me to quit my job and move across the country with you?'

In the realm of media and news, 'asking' is a staple of reporting. Journalists are frequently described as 'asking tough questions' or 'asking for a comment.' This highlights the word's association with the pursuit of truth and accountability. On social media, the word has taken on new life in the form of 'Ask Me Anything' (AMA) sessions, where public figures invite followers to submit questions. Here, 'asking' is the catalyst for a direct, often unscripted connection between celebrities and their fans. You will also see it in the 'Frequently Asked Questions' (FAQ) sections of websites, which are designed to anticipate the needs of users. In these digital spaces, 'asking' is synonymous with user engagement and the democratization of information.

Workplace: Used for requests, updates, and delegating tasks. 'The CEO is asking for the quarterly results.'
Social Media: Common in AMAs and polls. 'I'm asking my followers for book recommendations.'

The talk show host is famous for asking guests about their most embarrassing moments.

In casual conversation among friends, 'asking' is used to share gossip or seek advice. 'What was he asking you about?' is a common way to probe into a private conversation. It also appears in various idioms that people use without thinking, such as 'You're asking for the impossible' or 'I'm just asking!' The latter is often used as a defensive shield when a question has inadvertently caused offense. In movies and television, 'asking' is a key driver of plot; a character 'asking' the wrong person for a favor often leads to the central conflict. Whether it's a detective asking a witness for their alibi or a romantic lead asking for a second chance, the act of asking is what moves the story forward.

'I'm not asking for much, just a little bit of respect,' the character shouted during the climax of the film.

The teacher kept asking if anyone had any questions, but the room remained silent.

News & Media: 'The public is asking for more transparency from the government regarding the new tax laws.'

'Stop asking so many questions and just follow the instructions!'

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with 'asking' involves the misuse of prepositions. Many students say 'asking to someone' instead of 'asking someone.' In English, 'ask' is a transitive verb when it comes to the person being questioned; it does not require 'to.' For example, 'I am asking you' is correct, while 'I am asking to you' is a direct translation error from languages like French or Spanish. Another common error is confusing 'asking for' with 'asking about.' You 'ask for' a thing (a coffee, help, a favor) but you 'ask about' a topic (the weather, a person's health, a project). Using the wrong preposition can lead to confusion: 'I am asking for your brother' sounds like you want to take him somewhere, whereas 'I am asking about your brother' means you want to know how he is doing.

Incorrect: I am asking to the teacher a question.
Correct: I am asking the teacher a question.

Another area of confusion is the difference between 'asking' and 'requesting.' While they are often synonyms, 'requesting' is much more formal. A common mistake is using 'requesting' in a casual setting where 'asking' would be more natural. For instance, 'I am requesting a fry from your plate' sounds bizarrely formal; 'I am asking for a fry' or simply 'Can I have a fry?' is better. Conversely, in a legal or highly professional document, 'asking' might feel too informal. Furthermore, learners often struggle with the gerund form in sentences like 'It’s no use asking.' Some might try to use the infinitive 'It's no use to ask,' which is grammatically incorrect in this specific idiomatic structure. Remembering that certain expressions are fixed with the '-ing' form is a major step toward sounding like a native speaker.

Preposition Error: Using 'to' after asking. 'He is asking to me' (Wrong) vs 'He is asking me' (Right).
For vs. About: 'Asking for' (requesting an object) vs 'Asking about' (seeking information).

Incorrect: She is asking about a glass of water.
Correct: She is asking for a glass of water.

There is also the 'asking for it' vs. 'asking for trouble' distinction. While both imply that someone is behaving in a way that will cause problems, 'asking for it' is often more aggressive or accusatory. It's important to use these idioms carefully as they can carry significant emotional weight. Additionally, some learners confuse 'asking' with 'demanding.' Asking implies that the other person has the choice to say no, whereas demanding does not. Using 'asking' when you are actually 'demanding' can make you seem passive-aggressive, while using 'demanding' when you should be 'asking' can make you seem rude. Understanding the social power dynamics behind these words is just as important as the grammar itself.

'You're asking for trouble by walking alone in that neighborhood at night,' he warned.

The child kept asking 'Why?' until the parent finally gave up trying to explain.

Gerund vs Infinitive: 'I considered asking him' (Correct) vs 'I considered to ask him' (Incorrect).

He was asking if he could borrow the lawnmower for the weekend.

While 'asking' is the most common way to describe the act of inquiry, English offers a rich variety of alternatives that can convey more specific meanings or levels of formality. 'Inquiring' is a more formal and professional version of 'asking about.' You might 'inquire' about a job opening or 'inquire' about the availability of a hotel room. It suggests a more serious or systematic search for information. 'Requesting' is the go-to alternative when 'asking for' something in a formal context, such as 'requesting a leave of absence' or 'requesting a refund.' It carries a sense of official procedure. On the other end of the spectrum, 'begging' or 'imploring' suggests a high level of desperation or emotional urgency. If you are 'begging' for forgiveness, you are doing much more than just 'asking' for it; you are pleading with intensity.

Instead of just asking, he was practically demanding that the manager see him immediately.

Another set of alternatives focuses on the nature of the question. 'Questioning' often implies a degree of doubt or suspicion. If the police are 'questioning' a suspect, they are not just 'asking' them things; they are interrogating them to find inconsistencies. 'Querying' is a term often used in technical or database contexts, where you 'query' a system to retrieve specific data. In a professional writing context, 'querying' can also refer to the process of asking an editor if they are interested in a story idea. 'Soliciting' is another specific alternative, usually meaning to ask for something like money, opinions, or business. For example, a company might be 'soliciting feedback' from its customers. This word is often used in formal or commercial settings and implies a broad, public request rather than a private one-on-one ask.

Inquiring vs Asking: Inquiring is formal and systematic; asking is general and casual. 'I'm inquiring about the vacancy' vs 'I'm asking about the job.'
Requesting vs Asking: Requesting is for formal needs; asking is for everyday wants. 'Requesting a transcript' vs 'Asking for a pen.'
Pleading vs Asking: Pleading involves deep emotion and desperation; asking is neutral. 'Pleading for mercy' vs 'Asking for a break.'

The detective was questioning the witness's memory of the events, rather than just asking what happened.

Finally, there are more colorful or idiomatic alternatives. 'Picking someone's brain' is a casual way of saying you are 'asking' someone for their expert opinion or ideas. 'Pumping someone for information' suggests that you are 'asking' in a persistent or perhaps slightly sneaky way to get secrets out of them. 'Canvassing' is used when you are 'asking' a large number of people for their opinions or votes, typically in a political or market research context. By choosing the right alternative, you can add layers of meaning to your communication, showing not just that an 'ask' is happening, but the intent, the mood, and the context behind it. This is the hallmark of an advanced English speaker: the ability to select the precise word for the precise situation.

The researchers are soliciting participants for a new study on sleep patterns.

She was querying the database to find all customers who hadn't made a purchase in six months.

Canvassing: Asking many people for opinions or votes. 'The campaign team is canvassing the neighborhood.'

I was pumping him for info about the new boss, but he wouldn't budge.

How Formal Is It?

豆知識

The word 'ask' used to be pronounced 'aks' in some Old English dialects, a variation that still exists in some modern dialects today!

発音ガイド

UK /ˈɑːskɪŋ/

US /ˈæskɪŋ/

The stress is on the first syllable: ASK-ing.

韻が合う語

Basking Masking Tasking Casking Flask-ing Multitasking Unmasking Damasking

よくある間違い

Pronouncing the 'g' too hard (like 'asking-guh').
Using a short 'a' in British English or a long 'ah' in American English (though both are understood).
Dropping the 'g' entirely ('askin'), which is common in informal speech but should be avoided in formal settings.
Confusing the vowel sound with 'asking' and 'esking'.
Over-emphasizing the second syllable.

難易度

読解 2/5

Easy to recognize in text.

ライティング 3/5

Requires knowledge of prepositions (for/about).

スピーキング 2/5

Commonly used in daily speech.

リスニング 2/5

Clear pronunciation in most dialects.

次に学ぶべきこと

前提知識

Ask Question For About Is

次に学ぶ

Inquiring Requesting Whether Permission Clarification

上級

Solicitation Interrogation Petition Querying

知っておくべき文法

Present Continuous Tense

I am asking.

Gerunds as Subjects

Asking is important.

Verbs followed by Gerunds

He kept asking.

Prepositional Phrases

By asking for help...

Indirect Questions

She is asking if you are ready.

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レベル別の例文

I am asking a question.

Je pose une question.

Present continuous: subject + am + asking.

She is asking for a pen.

Elle demande un stylo.

'Ask for' is used when you want an object.

Are you asking me?

Tu me demandes ?

Question form of present continuous.

He is asking about the cat.

Il demande des nouvelles du chat.

'Ask about' is used for information.

They are asking for water.

Ils demandent de l'eau.

Plural subject with 'are asking'.

I am not asking you.

Je ne te demande pas.

Negative form: am + not + asking.

The teacher is asking the class.

Le professeur demande à la classe.

Direct object 'the class' follows 'asking'.

Who is asking?

Qui demande ?

Subject question with 'who'.

He was asking for directions to the station.

Il demandait son chemin pour la gare.

Past continuous: was + asking.

We were asking about the price of the car.

Nous nous renseignions sur le prix de la voiture.

Past continuous for an ongoing inquiry.

Stop asking so many questions!

Arrête de poser autant de questions !

'Stop' is followed by the gerund '-ing'.

She is asking if the shop is open.

Elle demande si le magasin est ouvert.

Indirect question using 'if'.

I like asking my grandpa stories.

J'aime demander des histoires à mon grand-père.

'Like' can be followed by a gerund.

They are asking for a bigger table.

Ils demandent une table plus grande.

Present continuous for a current request.

Is he asking about his homework?

Est-ce qu'il demande pour ses devoirs ?

Question form in present continuous.

She kept asking for more time.

Elle n'arrêtait pas de demander plus de temps.

'Keep' is followed by the gerund '-ing'.

Asking for help is nothing to be ashamed of.

Demander de l'aide n'est pas une honte.

Gerund 'asking' used as the subject.

I am asking whether you have finished the report.

Je demande si vous avez terminé le rapport.

Formal indirect question using 'whether'.

He's just asking for trouble by driving so fast.

Il cherche les ennuis en conduisant si vite.

Idiom: 'asking for trouble'.

The customer is asking for a full refund.

Le client demande un remboursement complet.

Specific request with 'for'.

I don't mind you asking, but it's a secret.

Ça ne me dérange pas que tu demandes, mais c'est un secret.

Gerund after the verb 'mind'.

She's always asking about my family.

Elle demande toujours des nouvelles de ma famille.

'Always' with continuous tense to show a habit.

By asking the right questions, we found the answer.

En posant les bonnes questions, nous avons trouvé la réponse.

Gerund after the preposition 'by'.

The manager is asking to see you now.

Le manager demande à vous voir maintenant.

'Ask to' followed by an infinitive.

Asking for a raise requires careful preparation.

Demander une augmentation nécessite une préparation minutieuse.

Gerund phrase as a complex subject.

The interviewer was asking about her previous experience.

L'interviewer l'interrogeait sur son expérience précédente.

Past continuous in a professional context.

Asking for the moon won't get you anywhere.

Demander la lune ne te mènera nulle part.

Idiom: 'asking for the moon'.

He left the room without asking for permission.

Il a quitté la pièce sans demander la permission.

Gerund after the preposition 'without'.

The charity is asking for donations to help the homeless.

L'association demande des dons pour aider les sans-abri.

Formal request in a social context.

Asking for clarification is better than making a mistake.

Demander des éclaircissements vaut mieux que de faire une erreur.

Comparison using gerunds.

They are asking for a more detailed explanation.

Ils demandent une explication plus détaillée.

Present continuous for a formal demand.

I'm asking for your honest opinion on this matter.

Je demande votre avis honnête sur cette question.

Requesting an abstract thing (opinion).

Asking for a second opinion is a standard medical practice.

Demander un deuxième avis est une pratique médicale courante.

Gerund phrase in a technical/professional context.

The diplomat was asking for a level of transparency that was unprecedented.

Le diplomate demandait un niveau de transparence sans précédent.

Complex sentence with a relative clause.

Asking for forgiveness is often harder than giving it.

Demander pardon est souvent plus difficile que de le donner.

Abstract philosophical use of gerunds.

The report concludes by asking for a radical shift in policy.

Le rapport conclut en demandant un changement radical de politique.

Gerund after 'by' in formal writing.

He spent years asking why the system failed so spectacularly.

Il a passé des années à se demander pourquoi le système avait échoué si lamentablement.

Gerund following a time expression ('spent years').

Asking for a favor from someone you barely know is awkward.

Demander une faveur à quelqu'un que l'on connaît à peine est gênant.

Gerund phrase with a nested relative clause.

The philosopher was famous for asking the unaskable.

Le philosophe était célèbre pour poser l'imposable.

Gerund followed by a nominalized adjective.

Is it too much to be asking for a little bit of peace?

Est-ce trop demander qu'un peu de paix ?

Infinitive phrase containing a continuous gerund form.

The protagonist's constant asking for validation reveals his deep insecurity.

La demande constante de validation du protagoniste révèle sa profonde insécurité.

Gerund used as a noun with a possessive.

By asking for the impossible, they ensured the negotiations would fail.

En demandant l'impossible, ils ont fait en sorte que les négociations échouent.

Strategic use of the gerund in a political context.

The sheer audacity of her asking for a promotion after the scandal was shocking.

L'audace pure de sa demande de promotion après le scandale était choquante.

Gerund phrase as the object of a prepositional phrase.

Asking for a paradigm shift in thinking is no small request.

Demander un changement de paradigme dans la pensée n'est pas une mince affaire.

High-level academic vocabulary with a gerund subject.

The poem explores the theme of asking without ever receiving.

Le poème explore le thème de la demande sans jamais recevoir.

Gerund used in a literary analysis context.

The CEO was asking for a level of commitment that bordered on the fanatical.

Le PDG demandait un niveau d'engagement qui frisait le fanatisme.

Nuanced description using a relative clause.

One might well be asking why such a decision was made in the first place.

On pourrait bien se demander pourquoi une telle décision a été prise en premier lieu.

Modal perfect continuous structure.

Asking for a seat at the table is the first step toward real change.

Demander un siège à la table est la première étape vers un changement réel.

Metaphorical use of a gerund phrase.

よく使う組み合わせ

Asking for help

Asking for permission

Asking a question

Asking for directions

Asking for trouble

Asking for a favor

Asking about the weather

Asking for advice

Asking for money

Asking for clarification

よく使うフレーズ

I'm just asking

— Used to show that a question is not meant to be offensive or intrusive.

I'm just asking if you're okay!

Thanks for asking

— A polite way to acknowledge someone's interest in your well-being.

I'm doing well, thanks for asking.

Asking for a friend

— A humorous way to ask a question that might be embarrassing for yourself.

How do you get gum out of hair? Asking for a friend.

Stop asking

— A command to cease questioning.

Stop asking me when we'll be there!

Without asking

— Doing something without getting permission first.

He took my phone without asking.

Keep asking

— To continue questioning or requesting over time.

If you keep asking, they might say yes.

Asking around

— Asking many people the same question to find information.

I've been asking around, but no one has seen my keys.

Asking price

— The price that the seller of something says they want.

The asking price for the house is $300,000.

Start asking

— To begin the process of inquiry.

You need to start asking the right people.

Asking for it

— Behaving in a way that is likely to cause a bad result.

He's asking for it by being so rude to the boss.

よく混同される語

asking vs Questioning

Questioning is more intense and often implies doubt.

asking vs Demanding

Demanding leaves no choice for the other person.

asking vs Telling

Telling is giving information, while asking is seeking it.

慣用句と表現

"Asking for trouble"

— Behaving in a way that is likely to result in problems or danger.

Leaving your car unlocked is asking for trouble.

Informal

"Asking for the moon"

— Making a request that is impossible to fulfill.

Expecting a promotion in your first week is asking for the moon.

Informal

"For the asking"

— Available to anyone who requests it.

There are plenty of jobs for the asking in this town.

Neutral

"If you're asking me"

— A phrase used to introduce one's opinion.

If you're asking me, the movie was too long.

Informal

"Asking for a world of hurt"

— Doing something that will cause significant pain or trouble.

Insulting the champion is asking for a world of hurt.

Slang

"Don't ask"

— Used to indicate that something was so bad or complicated you don't want to talk about it.

'How was your date?' 'Don't ask.'

Informal

"Asking for a handout"

— Requesting money or help without wanting to work for it.

He's always asking for a handout instead of finding a job.

Informal/Negative

"Asking the impossible"

— Similar to asking for the moon; making a request that cannot be met.

You're asking the impossible if you want this done by tomorrow.

Neutral

"Asking for a miracle"

— Hoping for an extremely unlikely positive outcome.

With those grades, he's asking for a miracle to get into Harvard.

Neutral

"Asking for someone's hand"

— Formally requesting to marry someone.

He is asking for her hand in marriage tonight.

Formal/Traditional

間違えやすい

asking vs Asking

Similar to 'Requesting'

Asking is general; requesting is formal.

I'm asking for a pen vs. I'm requesting a transcript.

asking vs Asking

Similar to 'Inquiring'

Inquiring is more systematic and formal.

I'm asking about the time vs. I'm inquiring about the vacancy.

asking vs Asking

Similar to 'Soliciting'

Soliciting is often for money or public feedback.

He's asking for help vs. The charity is soliciting donations.

asking vs Asking

Similar to 'Begging'

Begging implies desperation.

I'm asking for food vs. He's begging for food.

asking vs Asking

Similar to 'Querying'

Querying is often technical or related to databases.

I'm asking a question vs. I'm querying the database.

文型パターン

I am asking [something].

I am asking a question.

He was asking for [object].

He was asking for a map.

Asking for [noun] is [adjective].

Asking for help is good.

I am asking if [clause].

I am asking if you are hungry.

Without asking for [noun], [clause].

Without asking for permission, he left.

By asking [someone], [clause].

By asking the teacher, I learned the answer.

Asking for [abstract noun] requires [noun].

Asking for transparency requires courage.

One might be asking why [clause].

One might be asking why this happened.

語族

名詞

Ask

Asker

動詞

Ask

Asked

Asks

形容詞

Unasked

Asking (as in 'asking price')

使い方

frequency

Extremely high in both spoken and written English.

よくある間違い

Asking to him → Asking him
The verb 'ask' does not take the preposition 'to' before the person being asked.
Asking about a coffee → Asking for a coffee
Use 'for' when you want to receive an object.
I considered to ask → I considered asking
The verb 'consider' is followed by a gerund, not an infinitive.
Stop to ask questions → Stop asking questions
'Stop asking' means to cease the action; 'stop to ask' means you stopped doing something else in order to ask.
He is asking for the time → He is asking the time / asking what time it is
While 'asking for' is common for objects, 'the time' is usually treated as information (asking about the time).

ヒント

Gerund Subject

Use 'asking' at the start of a sentence to talk about the concept of inquiry. 'Asking questions helps you learn faster.'

Politeness

In social settings, use 'I was asking...' to make your question sound less sudden or intrusive.

Synonyms

Try using 'inquiring' in emails to sound more professional than 'asking.'

Trouble

Remember 'asking for trouble' when you see someone doing something risky.

For vs About

Always check if you want an object (for) or info (about) before choosing your preposition.

Participle Phrases

Use 'Asking for..., [Subject] [Verb]' to add detail to your writing. 'Asking for quiet, the speaker began.'

Softening

Pair 'asking' with 'just' to sound less demanding: 'I'm just asking!'

Clarification

Use 'asking for clarification' in meetings to show you are engaged and want to understand better.

Timing

Pay attention to 'was asking' to understand that an inquiry happened over a period of time in the past.

Avoid Repetition

If you use 'asking' in one sentence, try 'requesting' in the next to keep your writing fresh.

暗記しよう

記憶術

ASK-ING: Always Seeking Knowledge - In New Grounds.

視覚的連想

Imagine a giant question mark (?) with legs, walking around and 'asking' people for things.

Word Web

Question Request Inquire Demand Favor Permission Information Answer

チャレンジ

Try to use 'asking' as a subject, an object, and a verb in three different sentences today.

語源

Derived from the Old English word 'āscian,' which means to ask, inquire, or seek. It has roots in the Proto-Germanic '*aiskōną.'

元の意味： To seek or to demand.

Germanic

文化的な背景

Be careful when 'asking' about personal topics like age, weight, or salary in many English-speaking cultures.

Directness in asking varies; Americans are generally more direct than the British.

'Ask and it shall be given' (The Bible) 'Ask not what your country can do for you' (JFK) AMAs (Reddit)

実生活で練習する

実際の使用場面

At a Restaurant

Asking for the bill
Asking for a menu
Asking about the specials
Asking for a refill

At Work

Asking for a raise
Asking for feedback
Asking for a deadline
Asking for help

In the Street

Asking for directions
Asking for the time
Asking for change
Asking for a bus stop

In a Classroom

Asking a question
Asking for a pen
Asking for an explanation
Asking for permission

In a Relationship

Asking someone out
Asking for space
Asking for advice
Asking for forgiveness

会話のきっかけ

"Are you asking me to help you with your project?"

"What were they asking you about in the meeting?"

"Is asking for help something you find difficult?"

"Who are you asking for advice these days?"

"Why is he asking so many questions all of a sudden?"

日記のテーマ

Write about a time you were afraid of asking for something and what happened.

How does 'asking' change when you are talking to a boss versus a friend?

Do you think asking for the moon is a good way to start a negotiation?

Describe a situation where someone was 'asking for trouble.'

What is the most important thing you are currently asking from life?

よくある質問

10 問

It is always 'asking me.' You do not need the word 'to' after asking when you are talking about the person. For example, 'She is asking me a question' is correct.

You use 'asking for' when you want an object or a favor (e.g., asking for water). You use 'asking about' when you want information (e.g., asking about the weather).

Yes, when it is a gerund. For example, in 'Asking is free,' it acts as the subject of the sentence.

It is an idiom that means someone is doing something that will likely result in a bad situation. For example, 'Driving without a seatbelt is asking for trouble.'

It is neutral. It can be used in both formal and informal settings, but 'requesting' is often preferred in very formal writing.

You use 'was asking' or 'were asking.' For example, 'They were asking about you yesterday.'

The asking price is the amount of money a seller wants for something, like a house or a car.

Yes, this is a very common way to make a request or give a polite command.

It is a joke people use when they want to ask an embarrassing question but pretend it is for someone else.

Not exactly. 'Asking' is neutral, while 'questioning' often implies that you doubt what someone is saying or that you are interrogating them.

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