Grammar﹕Ask, ask for
【明報專訊】A famous fashion magazine is organising its first young reader model competition, and Pat is eager to sign up!
Pat: Hi Madam, here is my application form.
MoMo: Thanks, dear. Let me check the documents... Well I have your ID card copy and application form, but I can't find the guardian's consent letter. Have you asked your parents for consent?
Pat: Oh yes, I have! A moment please... Here you are.
MoMo: Great. We just want to make sure your guardians know about your participation. Your parents may be concerned if they do not know where you are — in an interview, a training session, or out for a photo shoot. And we don't want to get phone calls asking us for explanations.
Pat: I understand. What will be the interview?
MoMo: We will ask you some questions about your idea about the fashion industry and your aspiration. And maybe some group activities to see what kind of person you are.
Pat: Very well. Thanks!
◆ ask
The verb "ask" is used to express the idea "seeking information by raising questions".
Example
Mom asked the shopkeeper how much the necklace was.
◆ ask for
If you "ask for" something, you make a request that you need something from another party or you need them to do something for you. A noun phrase is commonly used after it.
Examples
Have you asked your brother for permission to borrow his book?
You should ask for advice on reducing stress.
◆Now you try
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of "ask" or "ask for".
(Answers on next text)
1. Sam has found a job after graduation. He doesn't need to __________ money from his parents.
2. I have __________ James what time he will visit us on Saturday.
3. Can you please __________ the manager if we can get a discount?
4. We should have __________ more ketchup when we ordered the fries. We have more guests than we expected!
■Glossary
eager (adj) 渴望的
consent (n) 同意
concerned (adj) 不安的
aspiration (n) 志願
[Smarties' Power English 第227期]
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【明報專訊】Once upon a time, there was an old man called Zhang. Not only wa... 詳情
