Languages › English as a Second Language Asking for Information Share Flipboard Email Print English as a Second Language Grammar Pronunciation & Conversation Vocabulary Writing Skills Reading Comprehension Business English Resources for Teachers By Kenneth Beare Kenneth Beare English as a Second Language (ESL) Expert TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music Kenneth Beare is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and course developer with over three decades of teaching experience. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on January 27, 2019 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 DisagreeingContrasting IdeasMaking ComplaintsAsking for InformationGiving AdviceGuessingBeing Imprecise or VagueSaying 'No' NicelyShowing PreferencesMaking SuggestionsOffering HelpGiving WarningDemanding 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. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago 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 June 2, 2023). copy citation By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies