Asking for information
Sometimes you want to ask English people for information.
In English it is not very polite to start a conversation with a direct question. For this reason we have a number of phrases.
Ten ways to ask for information
casual · neutral · formal
Phrases 1 - 10 are all followed by indirect questions. So 'What's the time?' becomes 'Can you tell me what the time is?'.
By using phrases 1 to 10, we make it easier for the listener to say "Sorry I don't know".
- Can you tell me...?neutralCan you tell me where the post office is?
- Could you tell me...?neutralCould you tell me when the next train to Kandy leaves?
- I'd like to know...neutralI'd like to know how much the course costs.
- D'you know...casualD'you know what time the shop closes?
- (Got/Do you have) any idea...?casualGot any idea where I left my keys?
- Could anyone tell me...?neutralCould anyone tell me where Room 12 is?
- (Do/Would) you happen to know...?neutralDo you happen to know Nimal's phone number?
- I don't suppose you (would) know...?formalI don't suppose you know if the pharmacy is open?
- I wonder if you could tell me...?formalI wonder if you could tell me how to get to the embassy?
- I wonder if someone could tell me...?formalI wonder if someone could tell me who is in charge here?
How to use them
- is a little more formal and polite than .
- are polite and are good to use if you are asking a stranger or you are asking at a public information desk.
- is more informal.
- are more informal if you say them without the part in brackets.
- are very formal and in an informal situation some people may react strangely if they think that you are being sarcastic.
Quick check
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You ask a group of strangers at an office where Room 12 is. Which phrase fits?
Which phrase is the most formal?
Which phrase is for a friend?
See also: Asking for help
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