ask sb for sth — ask you for money (GiU prepositions)
The frame
Section titled “The frame”If Alex asks you for money, don’t give him any. ✓ (✗ asks you money · ✗ asks to you money)
Pattern
Section titled “Pattern”ask + person + for + thing — person = indirect object (no preposition), for marks the thing requested:
- She asked me for help.
- He asked his boss for a raise.
- ✗ asks to you money — the person never takes to; word order does the work.
The ask family
Section titled “The ask family”| pattern | meaning | example |
|---|---|---|
| ask sb for sth | request a thing | ask you for money |
| ask sb sth | ask a question | ask him his name |
| ask about sth | enquire on a topic | ask about the job |
| ask after sb | enquire about someone’s health | ask after your mother |
Same shape as
Section titled “Same shape as”thank sb for -ing · blame sb for -ing · apologise to sb for -ing · congratulate sb on -ing — the person goes first (bare), the preposition attaches to the thing.
Source
Section titled “Source”English Grammar in Use, Additional Exercises — Prepositions (Units 12, 119–136). Ebot lesson 2026-09-05.