ask a question

Meaning

This phrase means to request information or clarification from someone. It is a standard collocation used in classrooms, workplaces, and daily conversations when you want to find out something or clear up confusion.

Examples

• Please raise your hand if you want to ask a question.

  Please raise your hand if you want to ask a question.

• Can I ask a question about the homework assignment?

  Can I ask a question about the homework assignment?

• The teacher stopped to let the students ask questions.

  The teacher stopped to let the students ask questions.

• I was too shy to ask a question during the presentation.

  I was too shy to ask a question during the presentation.

• Feel free to interrupt me if you need to ask a question.

  Feel free to interrupt me if you need to ask a question.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to make a question to the teacher.

  ✓ I want to ask the teacher a question.

  English speakers do not 'make' questions; they 'ask' them.

• ✗ Can I ask to you a question?

  ✓ Can I ask you a question?

  Do not use the preposition 'to' after 'ask' when introducing the person you are addressing.

Related Expressions

Practice

• If you do not understand the lesson, you should ___.

  💡 Query the teacher for clarification.

  Show answer

  ask a question

• May I ___ before we move on to the next topic?

  💡 Request some information.

  Show answer

  ask a question