ask out
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To invite someone to go on a date or to accompany one to a social event, typically with romantic or courtship intentions.
Usage
- The verb "ask out" is a phrasal verb that requires a direct object (the person being invited). It is separable, meaning the object can come between "ask" and "out" (e.g., ) or after the full phrasal verb (e.g., ), though the former is more common.
- It is used in informal and formal contexts to describe the act of initiating a date.
Examples
- Verb:
- He was too nervous to ask her out.
- After weeks of chatting, she finally asked him out for coffee.
- I think he's going to ask out the new colleague.
Advanced Usage
- "to be asked out": The passive form, indicating receipt of an invitation for a date.
- She was delighted to be asked out by him.
Variants and Related Words
- Ask (someone) on a date: A more explicit synonym for "ask out."
- Court (verb): A more formal or old-fashioned term for wooing someone, which may involve asking them out.
- Pursue (verb): To seek to attract someone romantically, which can include asking them out.
Synonyms
- Invite on a date
- Request a date with
- Woo (in a broader sense)
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Ask over: To invite someone to one's home. (This is distinct from "ask out," which implies going out to a venue.)
- He asked the team over for dinner.
- Ask around: To inquire with several people.
- I'll ask around to see if anyone knows a good mechanic.
Related Idioms
- Pop the question: To propose marriage. (This is a more serious, subsequent step distinct from asking someone out.)
- He popped the question during their vacation.
Verb
- make a date
- Has he asked you out yet?