Synonyms ask

ask ▪ enquire ▪ demand

These words all mean to say or write something in the form of a question, in order to get information.

ask to say or write something in the form of a question, in order to get information:

‘Where are you going?’ she asked.

She asked the students their names.

Can I ask a question?

enquire/​inquire (rather formal) to ask somebody for information:

I called the station to enquire about train times.

demand to make a very strong request for information:

‘And where have you been?’ he demanded angrily.

Patterns

to ask/​enquire about/​after somebody/​something

to ask/​enquire/​demand something of somebody

to ask/​enquire/​demand what/​who/​how, etc.

to ask/​enquire politely

to ask/​enquire/​demand angrily