ask-v; 6 Senses

Sense Number 1: inquire, seek an answer

Commentary: Syntax Includes: NP[agent[human]] ASK NP NP[agent[human]] ASK PP[abstract] NP[agent[human]] ASK NP PP{abstract]

Examples:
You asked that question before.
They were asking about John's mother's health.
I asked directions to the art museum.
Let's ask Professor Smith for an explanation of Calabi-Yau space.
Let's ask the Tarot cards about our future.

Mappings:
VerbNet: beg-58.2,inquire-37.1.2
FrameNet: Questioning
PropBank: ask.01
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1, 3

Sense Number 2: request or demand something from someone

Commentary: Syntax Is: NP[agent[human]] ASK NP[patient[human]] for NP[concrete]
NOTE: when there is SCOMP, it is still understood that human1 asks human2 for X

Examples:
I think he'll ask her for a divorce.
She asked her boss for a new computer.
He asked only to be left in peace.
This is asking a lot of such young children.
They ask that their employees only smoke in designated areas.

Mappings:
VerbNet: beg-58.2,order-60-1,urge-58.1
FrameNet: Request
PropBank: ask.02
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2, 4

Sense Number 3: specify a price or value for something

Commentary: NP[agent] ASK NP[quantity] for NP

Examples:
John thought the gallery asked too much for that painting.
The kidnappers were asking a million dollars for their hostage.
They usually ask a higher price than what they really expect to get.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: ask.03
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 7

Sense Number 4: need, call for

Commentary: Syntax Includes: NP[theme] ASK NP NP[theme] ASK PP Includes: ASK FOR

Examples:
This dish asks for a little pepper to spice it up.
This run-down old house is just asking for some renovation.
His job asks for a lot of patience and focus.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 6

Sense Number 5: acting in a manner that results in specific consequences

Commentary: Syntax Is: NP1[agent] ASK FOR NP2 Includes: ASK FOR

Examples:
He's asking for trouble.
He's asking for a beating.
More than two pieces of luggage and you're asking for a world of stress.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: NM
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
ask_for_trouble 1
ask_for 1
ask_for_it 1

Sense Number 6: invite

Commentary: Syntax Is: NP1[agent[human]] ASK NP2[patient[human]] Includes: ASK IN, ASK OUT, ASK OVER, ASK ROUND

Examples:
Should a woman ask a man out for a date?
I asked her in for a drink, but she politely refused.
Why don't we ask the neighbors over for a barbeque?
I'm trying to pluck up the courage to ask him round for a drink.

Mappings:
VerbNet: NM
FrameNet: NM
PropBank: NM
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5
WordNet Verb Particle Constructions, Multiword Expressions:
ask_over 1
ask_in 1
ask_out 1
ask_round 1