Learning English Grammar Asking strangers
6 snips
Nov 5, 2025 Discover the art of asking questions politely, with tips on phrasing like 'I was wondering' and 'excuse me, could you tell me?'. Explore how to navigate tricky situations, such as asking strangers for help when lost. Learn the subtle differences between 'if' and 'whether', and grasp the structure of indirect questions. Engage in a fun game that transforms direct requests into polite inquiries. This enlightening discussion equips you with the grammar skills to communicate respectfully in any situation!
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Neil's Direction Problem
- Neil says he gets lost in cities because he has no sense of direction.
- He would ask someone for directions when his phone battery was dead.
Examples Of Polite Questions In Real Situations
- Andrew describes approaching people and saying, "I was wondering, could you please help me?" when lost.
- Georgie mentions saying "Excuse me, could you tell me where the French lessons are?" to a receptionist.
Use Indirect Phrases For Polite Requests
- Use indirect forms like "I was wondering if/whether" to make requests more polite.
- Follow with a statement word order (subject + verb), not a question word order.