"ask" and "ask of": difference?

[Ashley]

Respected teachers

I would like to know if the given sentences are same

* There is one question I would like to ask you.
* There is one question I would like to ask of you.

Ashley

[Jamie (K)]

In those two sentences there is almost no difference. They mean almost the same thing.

However, in other situations, "ask of" can mean the same thing as "request from" or "demand from":

All I ask of you is a little time.

The only thing I ask of you is to be patient.

With all the work they ask of you, you'd think they'd pay you better.

[Torsten]

Hi,

What about the phrase may I ask a favour of you? - Would that be a standard phrase? I mean, how often do you hear it? I remember seeing it in a textbook but then never encountered it in real life. Maybe it's outdated or too clumsy?

TOEIC listening, talks: Announcement by hospital staff asking to use different entrance during repainting

[Yankee]

Hi Torsten

May I ask a favour of you? is fine as a sentence and also not clumsy, but I'd say it's more formal and much less often used than some other forms of this question.

Amy
_________________
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." ~ Abraham Lincoln

[Jamie (K)]

In ordinary, everyday language we would say, "Will you do me a favor?" or, "Would you do me a favor?"