Ask Someone Out Usage and Examples

Meaning 1：ask out (ask someone out)

ask someone out 🔊

/æsk ˈsʌmˌwʌn aʊt/

phr.v.

To invite someone to go on a date, usually because you like them romantically.

Ask someone out scene at cafe with nervous person holding phone

ask out 🔊

➕

/æsk aʊt/

phr.v.

To invite someone to go on a romantic date with you.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Combination of 'ask' (request), 'someone' (a person), and 'out' (outside) meaning to invite romantically.

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine asking a person to come 'out' of their home for a date—simple and direct.

📖 Example

My friend really likes his new classmate and finally got the courage to ask her out for coffee this weekend. 🔊 My friend really likes his new classmate and finally got the courage to ask her out for coffee this weekend.

🔗 Collocations

ask someone out on a date – Invite someone to go on a romantic date.

ask someone out for dinner – Invite someone to have dinner together.

ask someone out to the movies – Invite someone to go see a movie.

🔄 Synonyms

invite someone out (phr.v.) – To ask someone to go somewhere socially, often romantically.

ask for a date (phrase) – To request the opportunity to go out with someone romantically.

take someone on a date (phrase) – To bring someone to a social event as a romantic partner.

🚫 Antonyms

turn someone down (phr.v.) – To reject someone's romantic invitation.

break up (phr.v.) – To end a romantic relationship.

📖 Cultural Story

Popularized in early 20th century American dating culture, this phrase became the standard way to invite someone for a romantic outing.