Understanding Phrasal Verbs for Sentence Correction

This question asks us to identify the correct phrasal verb to replace the underlined phrase "asked out a favour of" in the sentence: "Samita asked out a favour of going early today." Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and a preposition or adverb, and their meaning is often different from the individual words.

Analyzing the Incorrect Phrase: "Asked out a favour"

The phrase "asked out" is a phrasal verb, but it has a specific meaning. "Ask out" typically means to invite someone to go on a date or to go somewhere socially. For example, "He asked her out to the cinema." In the given sentence, Samita is requesting something (a favour), not inviting someone on a date. Therefore, "asked out a favour" is grammatically incorrect and does not convey the intended meaning.

Why "Asked for" is the Correct Replacement

Let's examine the meaning of the phrasal verb "asked for".

• Ask for: To request something, such as information, help, or permission.

In the sentence "Samita asked out a favour of going early today," Samita is requesting a favour, specifically the favour of being allowed to go early. The correct phrasal verb to express requesting a favour is "asked for".

So, the correct sentence should be: "Samita asked for a favour of going early today."

Evaluating Other Options

Let's look at the other phrasal verbs provided in the options and why they are incorrect in this context:

• Asked around: This means asking several people the same question, usually to get information. For example, "I asked around about a good restaurant." This does not fit the context of requesting a single favour from someone.
• Asked after: This means inquiring about someone's health, well-being, or how they are doing. For example, "He asked after his grandmother." This is completely unrelated to requesting a favour.
• Asked over: This means inviting someone to your home. For example, "We asked our neighbours over for dinner." This is also irrelevant to the idea of asking for a favour.

Based on the meanings of these phrasal verbs, only "asked for" correctly expresses the act of requesting a favour.

Step-by-Step Correction

1. Identify the incorrect phrase in the sentence: "asked out a favour of going early today". The part "asked out a favour of" is problematic.
2. Understand the intended meaning of the sentence: Samita is requesting a favour related to leaving early.
3. Consider the options provided and their meanings as phrasal verbs.
4. Match the intended meaning (requesting a favour) with the correct phrasal verb from the options. The phrasal verb "ask for" means to request something.
5. Confirm that replacing "asked out a favour of" with "asked for a favour of" makes the sentence grammatically correct and meaningful. "Samita asked for a favour of going early today" is correct usage.

Therefore, the option that correctly replaces the underlined segment is "asked for".

Revision Table: Understanding Phrasal Verbs

Additional Information: Phrasal Verb Tips

Phrasal verbs can be tricky because their meaning is not always obvious from the individual words. Here are some tips for learning and using them:

• Learn phrasal verbs in context, not just as lists.
• Pay attention to the particle (preposition or adverb) as it changes the meaning.
• Practice using them in sentences.
• Use a dictionary or online resource specifically for phrasal verbs when you are unsure.
• Be aware that some phrasal verbs have multiple meanings.

Understanding common phrasal verbs like 'asked for' and 'asked out' is essential for improving English grammar and communication skills. Correcting phrases like 'asked out a favour' to 'asked for a favour' demonstrates a good grasp of English usage.