What is ask back? How to use in English

Definition & pronunciation of ask back

ask backphrasal verb
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Where does the word ask back come from?

The phrase "ask back" is a phrasal verb that is formed by combining the main verb "ask" with the preposition "back." In English, a phrasal verb is a compound word that consists of a verb and a preposition, and it often has a different meaning from the individual components. The origin of the term "ask back" can be traced back to the mid-19th century, when it was first used in its current sense. It's believed that the use of "back" in this context may have originated from the expression "to return the question," which was commonly used in formal situations. However, over time, the expression changed to "ask back" to further emphasize the idea of replying with a question. In everyday usage, "ask back" is used to mean initiating a dialogical or conversational exchange by posing a question that requests a response or clarification. The verb "ask" denotes making a request, whereas the preposition "back" indicates the return of the question. The phrasal verb is commonly used in a variety of contexts, from casual conversations to formal interviews, to initiate a back-and-forth exchange of ideas or information.

Example of vocabulary ask backnamespace

After asking a series of questions, the interviewer asked the interviewee to ask any questions they might have back.
The student asked the professor if they could ask a question after the lecture was finished.
During the meeting, the client asked the consultant if they could ask any further questions.
The lawyer requested permission from the judge to ask a question in rebuttal.
In the debate, the opposing team was allowed to ask a few questions at the end to clarify their opponents' arguments.