ask a friend

Meaning

This phrase means to request information, help, or advice from a classmate or peer. In academic settings, teachers often encourage students to do this before asking the teacher directly. It is a friendly, collaborative action used in pair work or peer review.

Examples

• If you don't know the homework assignment, you can ask a friend.

  If you don't know the homework assignment, you can ask a friend.

• During the group project, feel free to ask a friend for help.

  During the group project, feel free to ask a friend for help.

• I had to ask a friend to explain the math problem to me again.

  I had to ask a friend to explain the math problem to me again.

• Before you raise your hand, ask a friend next to you.

  Before you raise your hand, ask a friend next to you.

• Can you ask a friend if they have a spare pencil?

  Can you ask a friend if they have a spare pencil?

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I will ask to a friend for the answer.

  ✓ I will ask a friend for the answer.

  The verb 'ask' is followed directly by the person (direct object) without the preposition 'to'.

• ✗ If you are lost, ask at a friend.

  ✓ If you are lost, ask a friend.

  Do not use 'at' after 'ask' when referring to the person you are questioning.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you miss a class, you should ___ for the notes.

  💡 Request help from a classmate.

  Show answer

  ask a friend

• Don't worry if you don't understand; just ___ next to you.

  💡 Talk to a peer for assistance.

  Show answer

  ask a friend