English in Use: How to Ask Polite Questions

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Hello everyone, and welcome to On Your Mark’s English! 👋

Today is English in Use Friday, and we’re learning how to ask polite questions in English.

When we ask for information, we don’t usually ask a direct question.

For example, if you say, “Where is the station?” 🚉

It’s correct, but it can sound a little too direct or even slightly rude in some situations.

To sound natural and polite, start with a phrase like:

✅ Can you tell me…✅ Do you know…

Now listen to the change:

Both sound much softer and friendlier!

The word order changes in polite, indirect questions.

Let’s compare:

Direct: Where is the station?

Polite: Can you tell me where the station is?

See the difference? In the polite version, the verb is moves to the end of the question.

This happens because you already have the main question: Can you tell me…

Use “Can you tell me…” or “Do you know…” to make your questions sound polite and natural.

It’s a simple trick that makes your English sound much more professional and friendly. 🌟

Try changing this direct question into a polite one in the comments below:

👉 What is his name?💬 Hint: Can you tell me… what his name is?

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