ask a classmate

Meaning

This phrase means to talk to another student in your class to get help, information, or clarification. It is a common strategy teachers suggest when they want students to work together or solve minor problems independently.

Examples

• If you missed the homework assignment, you should ask a classmate.

  If you missed the homework assignment, you should ask a classmate.

• I didn't understand the teacher's instructions, so I had to ask a classmate.

  I didn't understand the teacher's instructions, so I had to ask a classmate.

• Before you ask me for a pen, ask a classmate if they have an extra one.

  Before you ask me for a pen, ask a classmate if they have an extra one.

• The teacher told us to ask a classmate for help before raising our hands.

  The teacher told us to ask a classmate for help before raising our hands.

• You can ask a classmate to study with you before the final exam.

  You can ask a classmate to study with you before the final exam.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ If you are confused, ask to a classmate.

  ✓ If you are confused, ask a classmate.

  The verb 'ask' is transitive here and takes a direct object. Do not use the preposition 'to' before the person you are asking.

• ✗ I will ask a class partner for the notes.

  ✓ I will ask a classmate for the notes.

  While 'class partner' might be understood, 'classmate' is the natural and standard English term for someone in the same school class.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you don't know when the project is due, you can ___.

  💡 Get information from another student in your class.

  Show answer

  ask a classmate

• Don't worry if you missed the lecture; just ___ for their notes.

  💡 Talk to another student in your course.

  Show answer

  ask a classmate