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cambridge.org:
(1) I called them to ask for more details. — correct
(2) I called them to ask more details. — incorrect
Is (2) really incorrect?

Is "to ask details" (without "for") always incorrect?
If not, in what cases "to ask details" is incorrect and in what is correct?

For example (my own examples):
(3) You need to ask him for some details about the upcoming meeting.
(4) You need to ask him some details about the upcoming meeting.
Which of (3) and (4) is correct and which is not?

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You must ask for details.

Perhaps you're confused because you've heard the expression "ask questions". But questions are the thing you ask - you ask questions, and you receive replies. The details are your replies.

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  • Proceeding from the internet: "for" is optional in "to ask (someone) (for) an advice / an opinion / a permission / a favour / forgiveness / the time". --- As far as I understand, there is no rule when "for" is optional and when "for" is obligatory. That is, an English leaner has to ask about every individual collocation with "ask" to understand if he necessarily needs to use "for" in it or not. Do you agree? Thanks.
    – Loviii
    Commented Dec 26, 2022 at 23:09
  • @Loviii "ask your opinion", "ask your name" and some others are idiomatic. "Ask details" not so much.
    – Astralbee
    Commented Dec 27, 2022 at 8:55

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