ask for a favor

Meaning

This phrase means to request that someone do something helpful, kind, or supportive for you, usually without payment. It is a fundamental social expression used when you need assistance with a task, big or small. The tone is polite and acknowledges that you are requesting someone's time or effort.

Examples

• I hate to ask for a favor, but could you watch my dog this weekend?

  I hate to ask for a favor, but could you watch my dog this weekend?

• She called me yesterday to ask for a favor regarding her resume.

  She called me yesterday to ask for a favor regarding her resume.

• If you ever need to ask for a favor, don't hesitate to reach out.

  If you ever need to ask for a favor, don't hesitate to reach out.

• He is too proud to ask for a favor, even when he really needs help.

  He is too proud to ask for a favor, even when he really needs help.

• Can I ask for a favor? I need a ride to the airport tomorrow morning.

  Can I ask for a favor? I need a ride to the airport tomorrow morning.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to ask a favor to you.

  ✓ I want to ask a favor of you.

  The preposition used with the person being asked is 'of,' not 'to.' Alternatively, you can say 'ask you a favor' without a preposition.

• ✗ He asked for a favor to me.

  ✓ He asked me for a favor.

  To specify the person being asked, put the pronoun or name directly after the verb 'ask' (ask [someone] for a favor).

Related Expressions

Practice

• I'm sorry to bother you, but I need to ___.

  💡 The standard phrase used when you are about to request help from someone.

  Show answer

  ask for a favor

• She is going to ___ of her neighbor to water the plants while she's away.

  💡 The phrase meaning to request a helpful act.

  Show answer

  ask for a favor