ASKING ABOUT INFORMATION

In our daily life, sometimes we have to ask someone to gain information. But how? read these materials bellow:

There are a number of formulas used when asking for information in English.
The use of Questions :
What
When
Where
Why
Who
How



Combined with to be :
What is … Your name?
When was … He born?
Where are … The tickets?
Why were … They here?
Who are … Those people?
How is … Helen?



Combined with auxiliary verbs or Modals :
What do …
When did …
Where shall …
Why does …
Who might …
How could …
Etc.


Asking for information:
I’d like to know about this novel
I’m interested in the characters
Could you tell me more about it?
Do you know the plot?
Could you find out the solution?
Could I ask about the conflict?
Do you happen to know the writer?
Etc.



Guessing :
I’d say … I know where to find the book
It could be … somewhere in the library
Perhaps it’s … on the top of the shelf
I think it’s … not there anymore
It looks like … someone has taken the book
It’s difficult to say, but I’d guess …
It’s being borrowed by a student


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…

Here are some sample phrases and sentences for asking information in English
What is this? This is a table
What is that? That is a chair.
What’s this? It’s a pen.
What’s that? It’s an apple.
What are these? These are pencils.
What are those? Those are books.
Where is Mr. King? He is over there.
Where is Ms. Knight? She’s (right) here.
Where’s Johnny? He’s in the house.
When’s the movie? It’s at 9:00.
When’s lunch? Lunch is at noon.
How is the food? It’s delicious.


Information about company :
What does your company do?
What is your specialty?
What do you specialize in?
What is your main line of business?


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.


Information about Price :
What are you asking for this?
What does this sell for?
How much is it?
How much does it run?