Asking For Information

Asking for information is our expressions to ask questions or to ask about explanations from what we said to someone else, so we get what we asked. Using 5W 1H-Questions: 

• What,
• When,
• Where,
• Who,
• Why, and

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

• Could you tell me...? 
• Could anyone tell me....?
• Can you tell me...?
• Do you know...?
• Do you happen to know...?
• I'd like to know... ?
• Could you find out...?
• Could you give me some idea of... ?
• I'm interested in... ?
• I'm looking for.. ?
• Have you got an idea of....?
• Don't suppose you (would) know...?
• I wonder if you could tell me...?
• I wonder if someone could tell me...?

There are some Responses, we use:

• Yes, it is / was / will ...
• Oh yes, I did / Oh no, I didn't.
• That's (quite) right.
• No, it isn't really so.
• I'm sorry but that isn't correct.
• Well, it's the contrary in fact. 

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

• I am calling to find out...
• I am calling about... 

Information about company

• What does your company do?
• What is your specialty?
• What do you specialize in?
• What is your main line of business?
• We produce marketing materials.
• We specialize in art and design.
• What are your major products?
• What services do you provide?
• We produce office machines.
• We design software.

We provide technical support.

• Information about products
• Could you give me some (more) information on this?
• What can you tell me about this (product)?
• Tell me about this one/model.
• This is one of our top brands.
• It's our best selling refrigerator.
• This one is the best in its class.
• We're really pleased with its performance.
• It's an excellent computer.
• I highly recommend this one.
• This model comes with several features.
• This particular one has two components. 

Information about Price

• What are you asking for this?
• What does this sell for?
• How much is it?
• How much does it run?
• This (one) sells for $5900.
• This one goes for $2900.
• This one is priced at $9695.

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 find out when she is going to arrive?