Sometimes you may need to know something clearly; therefore, you must ask for further information. So, how do you ask for further information from someone in English? Unfortunately, many ESL speakers are afraid to ask for clarification as they think it might sound awkward. However, if you know the correct English phrases, you can confidently ask someone for further information.
“Would you please share a bit more about this” and “May I have further information about it” are the standard ways of asking for further information in formal situations. However, in informal contexts, you can say, “Can you tell me more about it?” or “Please tell me in more detail.”
Are you looking for a book or a guide to help you learn and improve your English? You may try English Made Easy Volume One: A New ESL Approach: Learning English Through Pictures (Amazon Link).
In this post, I’ll share some tips and English phrases that can help you while asking for further information in verbal communication.
Table of Contents
- 5 Tips to Ask for Further Information in English
- Guide to Formally Asking for Further Information
- How to Informally Ask for Further Information
- Sample Conversation: Asking for Further Information in English
- In Conclusion
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions Related to Asking for Further Information in English
5 Tips to Ask for Further Information in English
There are different English expressions that you can use to ask for further clarification. However, you must always follow these tips to ask for details appropriately.
#1 Ask It As a Polite Request
Well! Sometimes you may not understand anything clearly just because you were unattentive or the speaker couldn’t explain it properly. No matter the reason behind the confusion, you can surely ask for further information. But you must not take it for granted that the other person is bound to explain the matter again.
Therefore you must make a polite request so that the other person accepts it and share more information you require.
#2 Ask If It’s Ok to Ask for Further Information
Not always, the situation may allow you to ask someone for further information. Therefore you should politely ask for permission to ask someone for further information. For example, if you are in a seminar and the speaker at the beginning of the speech doesn’t mention that questions are accepted, you should ask any question to clarify the idea.
However, if the speaker says something like, “You can interrupt me anytime if there is any confusion,” you can certainly ask for further information with their permission.
#3 Be Polite in Your Words, Tone & Body Language
Politeness is the key to any good conversation, regardless of the situation. As you request further information, you must be polite in every single aspect. Your word choice must be polite. You should not say anything that sounds like the speaker could not explain the matter properly, that’s why you had to ask for further information.
Not only choice of words, but you should also be careful about your tone and body language. To learn about body language, you can check the book Understanding Body Language: How to Decode Nonverbal Communication in Life, Love, and Work (Amazon link).
#4 Be Genuine & Specific
While listening to someone, you must be very attentive so that you can avoid asking for further information. However, if still, you can’t understand someone, express yourself genuinely. Don’t ask anything just for the sake of asking; instead, be genuine and specific while asking for further information.
#5 Consider the Formality of the Situation
Well! How you talk in a formal situation should vary compared to an informal one. For example, how you will ask for further information from a stranger will undoubtedly differ from your friends. It is because you maintain a casual relationship with your friends, so you talk to them informally, whereas you talk to a stranger formally.
No worries! In the later part of the post, I’ll show the ways you should ask for further information formally and informally. If you are a beginner-level ESL learner, you can check ESL Games: 176 English Language Games (Amazon link) for an easy and fun way to practice.
Guide to Formally Asking for Further Information
While you ask for further information in a formal situation, you must use some specific expressions to sound formal. Here are some expressions that can help you to express yourself formally while you ask for further information in English.
When you request someone for further information, you usually use either imperative sentences or interrogative sentences. Imperative sentences are used to make a request, offer advice or suggestions, issue commands, or give instructions.
- Would/Could you please share a bit more about it?
- Would/Could you please tell me some more?
- Would/Could you please give me some more information?
- Could I ask a little more about the topic you have discussed?
- May I ask for further information?
- May I ask for some more details?
- May I ask you to share some specific information about it?
- Would you mind explaining the matter further?
- Do you mind repeating the statement in different words?
- Is it okay if I ask you for some specific information?
- May I request you provide me with some extra information?
- It would be great if you could give me some more information.
- I beg your pardon for asking for further information.
- I am afraid that I couldn’t understand it clearly. Can you put it differently?
- Is it possible for you to give me some other information?
- Sorry to interrupt you, but could you give us further details about the product?
- I would appreciate it if you could share some more information.
- I wonder if you can provide me with further information about the project.
There are different ways you can make yourself sound formal. Just changing a little in your language can bring a significant change in your overall communication. To learn & practice some real live short conversations, you can follow the book 101 Conversations in Simple English: Short Natural Dialogues (Amazon link).
How to Informally Ask for Further Information
While you talk to a friend or a family member, you don’t bother about the formality that much. However, you must be polite while talking to someone, no matter whether they are your friend or teacher.
Here are some English expressions that you can use while asking for further information.
- Can you tell me more?
- Will you please give me some more details?
- I need some more information.
- Please share the matter in detail.
- Do you know anything more?
- Can you explain it in detail?
- I want you to tell us everything in detail.
- Will you give me some more information?
- I need further information to make a decision.
- Do you have more information to share?
- Please make the issue clearer with further information.
- You may share some more detail about it.
- How about some details? Do you have it?
- I really want to know about it in detail.
- I will love to know more about it.
- I’m interested to know more about it.
- Can you share a little more about this?
- I must know about it in detail. Do you have any more points?
Sample Conversation: Asking for Further Information in English
Situation: At a travel agency, Martin is inquiring about a holiday package to Greece. He needs more details before making a decision.
Martin: Hi, I’m interested in the holiday package to Greece. Could you provide more details?
Agent: Of course! The package covers a 10-day trip, including visits to Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos. It includes flights, accommodation, and two guided tours.
Martin: Sounds interesting. Could you elaborate on the accommodation options?
Agent: Certainly. In Athens, you’ll stay at a 4-star hotel near the city center. In Santorini and Mykonos, there are options for beachfront resorts or boutique hotels. Would you like information on specific properties?
Martin: Yes, please. And are meals included?
Agent: Breakfast is included at all locations. For other meals, I can recommend some excellent local restaurants.
In Conclusion
Well! I have talked about different ways of asking for further information in English. Remember that the expressions I have shared are best for verbal communication. You may not use all of them in written communication.
Thank you for reading.
Good luck!
10 Frequently Asked Questions Related to Asking for Further Information in English
1. What are common phrases to request more information?
You can use phrases like “Could you elaborate?”, “Can you provide more details?”, or “I’d like to know more about…”
2. How can I ensure I’m asking in a polite manner?
Prefacing your request with “Could you,” “Would you mind,” or “May I ask” can make your inquiry sound more courteous.
3. Is it okay to ask follow-up questions if something isn’t clear?
Absolutely! It shows you’re engaged and interested. You can use phrases like “Just to clarify…” or “Can you expand on that?”
4. How can I ask for written or visual information?
You can say, “Do you have a brochure or document I can look at?” or “Is there a website where I can find more details?”
5. What if I need someone to slow down while explaining?
Politely interject with phrases like “Sorry to interrupt, but could you go over that again?” or “Would you mind slowing down a bit?”
6. Can I ask for examples to better understand?
Certainly. “Could you give me an example?” or “For instance?” are appropriate ways to request examples.
7. How can I show gratitude after receiving the information?
A simple “Thank you for the details” or “I appreciate the thorough explanation” shows your gratitude.
8. Is it appropriate to take notes while someone provides information?
Yes, it can show that you’re taking the conversation seriously. However, it’s polite to mention, “Do you mind if I jot down some notes?”
9. How can I ask for a recap or summary of the information?
You can use phrases like “Could you summarize the main points?” or “Just to make sure I got everything, could you quickly recap?”
10. Are there cultural nuances to be aware of when asking for more information?
Definitely. While it’s generally acceptable to ask for clarification, the manner and frequency might vary based on cultural norms. Being aware of such nuances can ensure effective communication.
