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...

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 telephone	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.