Asking for Information - SpeakingTopic

English Speaking Topic

How to ask for information in English?

Do you know how to ask for information in English? Listen to the conversation between a stranger and a local woman.

A	Excuse me?
B	Yes?
A	Can you show me the way to the train station?
B	Well, it is near here. Just cross the street and turn left at the corner. The train station is on the right hand side.
A	By the way, do you know any ATMs near here?
B	Of course. It is in the bank over there.
A	It’s very kind of you. Do you have any idea if they can change Euro to USD there?
B	I am not sure. But you can come there and ask.
A	No problem. And I wonder if you could tell me where I can find a toilet?
B	Well, I think you can find it at the train station.
A	That’s fine. Thank you for your help. Bye.
B	Bye.

1. Can you tell me…? / Can you show me …?

We usually use this phrase to ask for information. It is very common. A more formal way to say is “Could you tell me …?”

Can you tell me how to get to the nearest hospital?
Could you tell us where the library is?

2. Do you know…? / Do you happen to know…?

We use this phrase when we are not sure if the person we are talking to knows the answer.

Do you know if the shopping mall is open now?
Do you happen to know any police station near here?

3. Do you have any idea…?

We use this phrase to ask for other people’s idea if they know the answer.

Do you have any idea if I can buy some Coca near here?
Do you have any idea where the National Museum is?

4. I wonder if you could tell me…

You think that the person you are talking to knows the answer and you ask them to give the information.

I wonder if you could tell me how to get to the bus station?
I wonder if you could tell me where the post office is?

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