AEE 362: How to Ask and Not Wonder in English (2024)

Do you use the phrase “I wonder if…” to make a polite request in English?

If you use this phrase for that purpose it makes you sound old fashioned and irrelevant.

Today get six alternative phrases to make a request that are more up to date and modern.

AEE 362: How to Ask and Not Wonder in English (1)Are you looking for a professional, native English teacher online?

Get a native English teacher online in seconds at italki.

Lindsay and Michelle recommend italki as our #1 English-learning solution online. Choose from more than 400 teachers to work on your business English or to pass your next big exam.

Get our special offer before it runs out! Go to italki and claim 10USD to go toward a FREE second English lesson at italki!

Here is the phrase that you should avoid using: “I wonder if you could tell the correct word” or “I wonder if you could get me a drink.”

This phrase sound old fashioned and indirect.

It does not sound strong enough.

Actually the phrase “I wonder if…” is used to contemplate or ponder something. It’s not used to make a request in modern American English.

For example, we might say “I wonder if there is life on other planets.” or “I wonder if I will ever get married.”

Here are some better phrases to make polite requests in English:

  • “Do you mind…?.”
  • “Would you mind…?
  • “Could I…?”
  • “Would it be ok if…?”
  • “Would it be possible…?”
  • “Would you be willing to…?”

These are better and more modern ways to make a request in English.

Listen to the episode to get role plays of Michelle and Lindsay using these phrases in a real conversation.

What other ways do you know to make a polite request in English?

Let us know in the comments below.

AEE 362: How to Ask and Not Wonder in English (2)

AEE 362: How to Ask and Not Wonder in English (2024)

FAQs

AEE 362: How to Ask and Not Wonder in English? ›

Would you mind… / Do you mind… Do you mind calling the restaurant to see if they do take out? Would you mind giving me some feedback on this lesson, I'd really appreciate it! Little side note here, the affirmative response to a “would you mind” or “do you mind” is no.

How to ask for something politely in text? ›

Would you mind… / Do you mind… Do you mind calling the restaurant to see if they do take out? Would you mind giving me some feedback on this lesson, I'd really appreciate it! Little side note here, the affirmative response to a “would you mind” or “do you mind” is no.

How to request in a formal way? ›

"I would like to request something." Example, "I would like to request your attendance at the meeting." This is a formal sentence which means, "Please come to the meeting." I would like to request. You can imagine this as meaning, "I want" or "I need" or "Please do this." "I would like to request something.

How to make a polite request in English? ›

For example: Could you help me for a minute, please? This shows that the speaker is asking for help politely. To ask questions in a very polite way, use: Would you/ Could you (please) + simple verb + ...?

What is the correct way of asking questions? ›

How to ask the right questions
  • Develop an open-ended question. Create an open-ended question related to what you want to know. ...
  • Allow the person to answer. It's important to choose the right time to ask questions. ...
  • Ask follow-up questions. ...
  • Thank the person. ...
  • Ask to get an answer. ...
  • Be understanding. ...
  • Practice active listening.
Mar 10, 2023

What are the 10 polite expressions used? ›

Being polite in English
  • Can you pass me…? vs Give me… ...
  • Could you give me five minutes? vs Go away. ...
  • Excuse me. vs Move. ...
  • I'm afraid I can't. vs No. ...
  • I would like… vs I want… ...
  • Would you mind…? vs Stop it! ...
  • Can you hold, please? vs Wait.

How to ask a question in a formal way? ›

In formal letters or emails, direct questions are rarely used; you should use indirect questions.
  1. I would be grateful if you could tell me… ...
  2. I would appreciate it if you could tell me…
  3. I would like to know…
  4. I was wondering if you could tell me…
  5. Would you mind telling me…?
  6. Could you tell me…?

How to ask why without sounding rude? ›

Fortunately, you can use lines of questioning other than bluntly asking “why” to learn the purpose or reason for something.
  1. “Help me understand.” ...
  2. Ask about motivation, not provocation. ...
  3. Ask “how” to focus on the underlying process. ...
  4. Use “what” as a buffer. ...
  5. How do you mean? ...
  6. A query that's not a question.
May 3, 2022

What is a polite request? ›

(rɪkwest ) countable noun [N that/to-inf] If you make a request, you politely or formally ask someone to do something.

What is a polite request and examples? ›

Asking others to do things – making requests
AskingSaying Yes
Can you...?Yes, sure.
Could you...? Is it all right if you...? Do you think you could...? Will you...? Would you...?Yes, of course. Certainly.
Do you mind -ing...? Would you mind -ing...?No, not at all. Of course not.
Sep 11, 2013

What is another word for request? ›

Synonym Chooser

The words ask and solicit are common synonyms of request. While all three words mean "to seek to obtain by making one's wants known," request implies greater formality and courtesy.

What is a request sentence? ›

Examples of request in a Sentence

Noun They made a request to begin work immediately. She filed a formal request for more information. At your request, I am enclosing a full refund of your payment. Troops were sent at the request of our allies. This next song is a request from one of our listeners.

What are examples of could? ›

Could as a past tense of Can
  • She can speak Italian very well.
  • I could swim, but I couldn't ride a bike when I was nine years old.
  • You can play with Amy after you do your homework.
  • Could I have some tea?
  • Can I carry your bags?
  • We could go somewhere tonight.
  • That can't be true.
Sep 14, 2023

How to professionally ask for something? ›

Greet the person by name and show your appreciation for their help. Make your request in a polite way using expressions like “Would it be possible…?” or “Do you mind…?” to show consideration and respect for the other person's time. Remember to express gratitude at the end of the request for their time and effort.

How to ask sensitive questions more politely? ›

  1. Avoid Yes/No Questions.
  2. Avoid ”Multiple-choice“ and Double-barreled Questions.
  3. Don't Switch Topics Too Frequently.
  4. Avoid the 'Why' Question.
  5. Avoid Asking for Little Known Facts.
  6. Avoid Imposing Concepts.
  7. Avoid Leading Questions.
  8. Listen Attentively.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Last Updated:

Views: 5944

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (73 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner

Birthday: 1994-06-25

Address: Suite 153 582 Lubowitz Walks, Port Alfredoborough, IN 72879-2838

Phone: +128413562823324

Job: IT Strategist

Hobby: Video gaming, Basketball, Web surfing, Book restoration, Jogging, Shooting, Fishing

Introduction: My name is Rev. Porsche Oberbrunner, I am a zany, graceful, talented, witty, determined, shiny, enchanting person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.