Asking for Information

There are a number of formulas used when asking for information in English. Here are some of the most common:

  • Could you tell me...?
  • Do you know...?
  • Do you happen to know...?
  • I'd like to know...
  • Could you find out...?
  • I'm interested in...
  • I'm looking for..

These two forms are used for asking for information on the telephone:

  • I'm calling to find out...
  • I'm calling about...

After you study these constructions, take the asking for information quiz to check your understanding.

More English Functions

Disagreeing
Contrasting Ideas
Making Complaints
Asking for Information
Giving Advice
Guessing
Being Imprecise or Vague
Saying 'No' Nicely
Showing Preferences
Making Suggestions
Offering Help
Giving Warning
Demanding Explanations

Construction

Formula Question Word Example Finish

Could you tell me

when

the next train leaves?

Do you know

how much

that vase costs?

Do you happen to know

where

Tom lives?

I'd like to know

what

you think about the new project.

Could you tell me

when

the next train leaves?

Could you find out

when

she is going to arrive?

Formula Gerund (-ing) Example Finish

I'm interested in

buying

a boat

Formula Noun Example Finish

I'm looking for

information on

holidays in Spain.

Formula used only on the telphone Question Word Example Finish

I'm calling to find out...

if

flight AZ098 will leave on time today.

Formula used only on the telphone Noun Example Finish

I'm calling about...

the offer

published in today's newspaper.

Format
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Your Citation
Beare, Kenneth. "Asking for Information." ThoughtCo, Jan. 29, 2020, thoughtco.com/asking-for-information-1211121. Beare, Kenneth. (2020, January 29). Asking for Information. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/asking-for-information-1211121 Beare, Kenneth. "Asking for Information." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/asking-for-information-1211121 (accessed March 19, 2024).