ask around

ask many people to find out information

B1

What does "ask around" mean?

Ask around means to speak to several different people in order to find information you don't already have. Instead of asking just one person, you make casual enquiries with a group — friends, colleagues, neighbours, or people in a community. It suggests an informal, relaxed kind of searching, like checking with people you know rather than doing official research. The idea is that by spreading your questions widely, you're more likely to get a useful answer or recommendation. It's a very common expression in everyday conversation in both British and American English.

Examples

How to use it

ask around (no object)

This is the most common form — the verb is used alone, without naming the people you ask.

I don't know a good dentist in this area, but I'll ask around.

ask around + among/at/in + place or group

Use a prepositional phrase to say where or with whom you are making enquiries.

She asked around among her colleagues and found someone with the right experience.

ask around + about + topic

Use 'about' to specify the subject you are trying to find information on.

Before we book the venue, let's ask around about prices.

ask around + and see

This common pattern adds a relaxed, non-committal tone, suggesting you'll look into it informally.

Let me ask around and see if anyone knows a reliable plumber.

worth asking around / it's worth asking around

This pattern is used to suggest that consulting several people would be a good idea.

It's worth asking around before you decide on a gym — you might get a discount through someone you know.

Common Collocations

ask around for recommendationsask around at workask around about pricesask around among friendsask around and seeask around for a good [professional]

Common Mistakes

Adding a direct object

Because 'ask around' is intransitive, you cannot place a noun or pronoun directly after it. To mention the people you're asking, use a prepositional phrase with 'among' or 'at' instead.

✗ I'll ask around my friends to find a good restaurant.
✓ I'll ask around among my friends to find a good restaurant.
Confusing 'ask around' with 'ask about'

'Ask about' focuses on one specific topic directed at one or more people, while 'ask around' emphasises consulting several people informally to gather general information. If you're targeting a single person or a very specific question, 'ask about' is more natural.

✗ I asked around my manager about the new policy.
✓ I asked my manager about the new policy. / I asked around to find out about the new policy.

Usage

This phrasal verb is neutral and works in both British and American English in everyday conversation. It is rarely used in formal writing — in professional contexts, prefer 'make enquiries' or 'consult colleagues.'

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use 'ask around' in the present continuous, like 'I'm asking around'?

It's not wrong, but it sounds a little unnatural. Most of the time, you'll hear 'I'll ask around' (future) or 'I asked around' (past). The present continuous form is possible but less common in everyday speech.

Does 'ask around' only work in face-to-face situations, or can I use it for online enquiries too?

You can use it for online situations too, as long as the idea of consulting multiple people informally is there. For example, 'I asked around on a few forums and got some good advice' is perfectly natural. The key idea is canvassing several sources, not the specific method.

What kinds of topics is 'ask around' typically used for?

It's most natural when you're looking for recommendations or informal information — for example, finding a good doctor, plumber, or restaurant, looking for job leads, or checking prices. It works best when you don't have a specific person to ask and need to cast a wide net.

Can I use 'ask around' in a work email or formal message?

It's better to avoid it in formal writing. In a professional context, phrases like 'make enquiries' or 'consult colleagues' sound more appropriate. 'Ask around' is perfectly fine in informal emails or spoken conversation at work, though.

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