Special Verbs - Pedir and Preguntar

Question 1

Why are pedir and preguntar special?

Answer 1

They have the same definition in English “to ask” but both verbs have completely separate usages and are not interchangeable.

Question 2

How is pedir used?

Answer 2

The verb “pedir” is used to ask for something or to ask someone for something.

Question 3

How is preguntar used?

Answer 3

The verb “preguntar” is used to ask a question or information.

Question 4

Conjugate pedir in present tense?

Answer 4

Yo pido  
Tú pides 
Él/Ella/Usted pide 
Nosotros pedimos 
Vosotros pedís 
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes piden

Question 5

Use 1 of pedir?

Answer 5

to ask for something or to ask to someone.

Question 6

1. Students have to ask for permission to go to the bathroom during class.
2. Why that verb?

Answer 6

1. Los alumnos tienen que pedir permiso para ir al baño durante clase.
2. Asking for a thing, to do a thing, or to do a favour

Question 7

Conjugate preguntar in present tense?

Answer 7

Yo pregunto 
Tú preguntas 
Él/Ella/Usted pregunta 
Nosotros preguntamos
Vosotros preguntáis 
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes preguntan

Question 8

Use 2 of pedir?

Answer 8

to request an object, service or favor.

Question 9

Ask the waiter for the check.

Answer 9

Pídele la cuenta al camarero.

Question 10

Conjugate preguntar in the imperfect tense?

Answer 10

.Yo preguntaba 
Tú preguntabas 
Él/Ella/Usted preguntaba 
Nosotros preguntábamos 
Vosotros preguntabais 
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes preguntaban

Question 11

Use 1 of preguntar?

Answer 11

to ask questions.

Question 12

1. We are lost! Let’s ask someone where we are.

2. Why that verb?

Answer 12

1. ¡Estamos perdidos! Vamos a preguntar donde estamos a alguien.
2. Asking a question

Question 13

Conjugate pedir in the preterit/indefinite tense?

Answer 13

Yo pedí 
Tú pediste 
Él/Ella/Usted pidió 
Nosotros pedimos 
Vosotros pedisteis 
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes pidieron

Question 14

Use 2 of preguntar?

Answer 14

used to request information.

Question 15

1. Ask if we can smoke in this area.

2. Why this verb?

Answer 15

1. Pregunta si se puede fumar en esta área.

2. to request information (use 2 of 2)

Question 16

1. Ask your mother if she lets you go out until late tonight.
2. Why this verb?

Answer 16

1. Pregúntale a tu madre si te deja salir hasta tarde esta noche.
2. Asking a question (use 1 of 2)

Question 17

Conjugate pedir in the imperfect tense?

Answer 17

Yo pedía 
Tú pedías 
Él/Ella/Usted pedía 
Nosotros pedíamos 
Vosotros pedíais  
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes pedían

Question 18

1. This is the address for the interview.

2. Ask for the Human Resources department when you get there.

Answer 18

1. Ésta es la dirección para la entrevista.

2. Pregunte por el departamento de Recursos Humanos cuando llegue allí.

Question 19

Conjugate preguntar in the preterit/indefinite tense?

Answer 19

Yo pregunté 
Tú preguntaste 
Él/Ella/Usted preguntó 
Nosotros preguntamos 
Vosotros preguntasteis 
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes preguntaron

Question 20

1. I’m going to ask Javier for a pen.

2. Why that verb?

Answer 20

1. Voy a pedirle a Javier un bolígrafo.

2. Asking for a thing, to do a thing, or to request an object or a favour

Question 21

1. My mom asked me to wait for her at the subway stop

2. Why that verb?

Answer 21

1. Mi madre me pidió que le esperara en la boca del metro.

2. Asking for a thing, to do a thing, or to request an object or a favour