ask
verb (used with object)
to put a question to; inquire of.
was asking
-
past progressiveof ask.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Edwards said she was asking MPs to send the same law "back to the House of Lords so that they can finish what they started".
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026
Amid the outcry, Rocha Moya announced Saturday night he was asking state lawmakers to grant him another leave — a request certain to be granted.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 23, 2026
The assistant director looked puzzled, thinking the director was asking for “cows.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2026
When Potti Sriramulu began fasting in October 1952, he was asking for something then prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru had repeatedly resisted: a separate state for Telugu speakers.
From BBC ● Jul. 16, 2026
“Are the boots uncomfortable in the heat, Miss Penelope?” one of them was asking me, her forehead crinkled up like a dumpling as she tried to appear sympathetic.
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
