Ask mode is a read-only mode for understanding a codebase. According to Cursor, what should happen once a question in Ask mode turns into an actual code change?

The principle — Ask mode is read-only. It answers questions about your codebase and explores it, but it does not make edits, so it cannot carry a conversation from understanding into changing.

Why the key is correct — Cursor's guidance is direct: for questions that lead to code changes, switch back to Agent mode. That switch is one action: the mode picker dropdown, or Shift + Tab.

Why the others are wrong — Restating the request more forcefully still lands in a read-only mode, so it returns more explanation rather than a change. Nothing escalates the mode automatically when your intent shifts; the mode is yours to set. And there is no diff waiting for approval, because a read-only session produced none.

Remember this — Ask explains, Agent edits. When the answer becomes a task, move the picker yourself.

Sources — Cursor's Ask mode help documentation.