ASK
Wrong: I asked a favour from him
Correct: I asked a favour of him
Or I asked him to do me a favour.
There are many ways of continuing a sentence after 'ask', some involving two objects, for example: I asked a question of him. [Like 'I asked a favour of him.']
I asked him a question. [But not: 'I asked him a favour.']
I asked him the time
I asked what the time was.
In these examples 'I' put to 'him' a question, expecting some answer. Another way of using 'ask' is in 'ask for', which means 'seek to obtain', as in these examples: I asked for my share of the proceeds.
I asked [him] for his help. I asked for permission to make the journey. I asked him for a light.
'Ask' can also be followed by 'to' and an infinitive: I asked to be excused from attending the meeting.
I asked to be allowed to make the journey. 'Ask' here really means 'ask for permission'
ATTACHED
Wrong: Attach this photostat copy with your letter.
Correct: Attach this photostat copy to your letter.
'Attached to' can also mean 'fond of: She is very attached to her elder brother.
AVAIL
Wrong: I wish to avail myself the opportunity to meet the chancellor.
Correct: I wish to avail myself of the opportunity to meet the chancellor.
The first object after 'avail' is usually a self pronoun: I availed myself, he availed himself, etc.
This article was culled from the publications of Deen Communication Limited