While “ask” and “question” are related, they are used differently in English. Here’s a breakdown of their meanings and how they differ:
1. “Ask” (verb)
- Definition: “Ask” is a verb, meaning to request information or make a request from someone.
- Use: It refers to the action of inquiring or seeking something from someone. You ask when you want to know something, make a request, or try to obtain information.
- Examples:
- I need to ask you a favor.
- She asked for directions to the nearest coffee shop.
- He asked her about the meeting.
2. “Question” (noun and verb)
- As a noun: A “question” is a sentence or phrase that is designed to elicit information, clarification, or an answer.
- Definition: A “question” is the thing being asked, the content or structure of the inquiry.
- Examples:
- The teacher gave us a difficult question on the exam.
- He had a question about the homework assignment.
- As a verb: “To question” (verb) means to ask someone about something or to doubt or inquire more deeply into a subject.
- Definition: As a verb, “question” can mean to ask about something in a deeper or more investigative way, or it can imply doubting or challenging something.
- Examples:
- The reporter questioned the official about the new policy.
- She questioned his motives for doing the work.
Key Differences:
- “Ask” is an action (verb), while “question” is a thing (noun) and can also be used as a verb meaning to inquire deeply.
- Ask: You ask a question.
- Question: A question is what you ask.
- “Ask” is typically used in a more straightforward sense, while “question” (as a verb) often suggests a deeper, more probing inquiry.
- Ask: Can I ask you something?
- Question: I need to question his decision-making process.
Summary:
- Ask = The action of seeking information.
- Question = The information sought or the act of inquiring deeply.
So, you would say, “I want to ask you a question,” because “ask” refers to the act of making the request, and “question” refers to the inquiry you are making.
