What happens in the video
Marco opens with "I have a question," then adds that he actually has nine questions. Hana replies that she'll need nine more coffees. Later Marco tries a softer line, "Can I get your opinion? Just one question this time," and Hana says sure, but that was his one question.
1 Can I ask you something?
Tone Casual and friendly
It's a good opener before a personal or slightly sensitive question, and it gives the other person a moment to get ready. In a formal email or meeting, choose a more polite form such as "Could I ask you about...?"
Can I ask you something?
For example:
A: Can I ask you something?
B: Sure, what is it?
A: Are you happy in your new job?
2 Can I get your opinion here?
Tone Warm, asks for advice
Use it when you are making a decision and want to hear what someone thinks. "Here" points to the thing in front of you, like a plan, a draft, or a choice. Don't use it for a simple fact question.
Charlie, can I get your opinion here?
For example:
A: Can I get your opinion here? Which color looks better on the poster?
B: I like the blue one. It's easier to read.
3 I was wondering if you could...
Tone Very polite request
Use it to ask for help softly, especially with a manager, a teacher, or someone you don't know well. Finish the sentence with a verb, as in "if you could check this." With close friends, it can sound too formal.
I was wondering if you could
For example:
A: I was wondering if you could look at my report before Friday.
B: Of course. Send it to me this afternoon.
4 Quick question.
Tone Light and informal
Use it at work or with friends before a short, simple question. Don't say it before a long or complicated topic, because then the other person expects a short conversation.
For example:
A: Quick question. Is the meeting at two or three?
B: Three, in the small room.
5 Do you have a minute?
Tone Polite, checks timing
Use it when your question needs some time and you want to check that the other person is free. It works well with coworkers and managers. If the answer is no, ask when a better time would be.
For example:
A: Do you have a minute?
B: Not right now. Can we talk after lunch?
A: Sure, after lunch is fine.
6 Sorry to bother you, but could I ask you something?
Tone Polite and apologetic
Use it when the other person is busy, or when you are speaking to a stranger. It shows that you respect their time. With a close friend who isn't busy, a simpler line sounds more natural.
For example:
A: Sorry to bother you, but could I ask you something? Where is the train station?
B: It's two streets that way, on the left.
7 Would you mind if I asked you something?
Tone Careful and polite
Use it before a question the other person might find personal or uncomfortable. Remember that "No, go ahead" is a yes here, because the question asks if they mind.
For example:
A: Would you mind if I asked you something about your trip?
B: No, go ahead.
8 Can I run something by you?
Tone Friendly, shares an idea
Use it when you have an idea or plan and want a quick reaction before you decide. It's common at work and with friends. It is not the right line for asking a simple fact.
For example:
A: Can I run something by you? I want to move the team lunch to Thursday.
B: Thursday works for me. Ask the others too.
Common mistakes
-
Not quite
I was wondering could you help me?Better I was wondering if you could help me.
After "I was wondering," use "if" and normal statement word order. The line is a statement, so it usually ends with a period, not a question mark.
-
Not quite
I was wondering if you can help me.Better I was wondering if you could help me.
"Can" is not wrong, but "could" matches the past form "was wondering" and sounds softer. Most speakers use "could" in this polite pattern.
-
Not quite
Would you mind if I asked you something? (B says "Yes." and A asks anyway.)Better B: "No, go ahead." A: "Thanks. Where did you study?"
"Would you mind" asks if the question is a problem. "No" means you can ask. "Yes" means the person would prefer that you don't.
Quick quiz
Choose your answer for each question, then open the answer to check it.
-
You want a friend's advice about which apartment to rent. Which line fits best?
- Quick question.
- Can I get your opinion here?
- Sorry to bother you.
Show the answer (Question 1)
Answer: Can I get your opinion here? This line asks for someone's view, so it fits a decision like choosing an apartment.
-
You need your manager to sign a form. Which line is the most polite?
- Quick question.
- I was wondering if you could sign this form.
- Can I run something by you?
Show the answer (Question 2)
Answer: I was wondering if you could sign this form. "I was wondering if you could..." is a very polite way to ask someone for help.
-
You ask, "Would you mind if I asked you something?" The answer is "Not at all." What does that mean?
- You can ask.
- Please don't ask.
- The person didn't hear you.
Show the answer (Question 3)
Answer: You can ask. "Not at all" means the person doesn't mind, so you can go ahead.
-
Which line is best before a short, simple question to a coworker?
- Would you mind if I asked you something?
- Quick question.
- I was wondering if you could...
Show the answer (Question 4)
Answer: Quick question. "Quick question" is light and informal, and it tells the listener the question is short.
-
Which line checks if someone has time before a longer conversation?
- Do you have a minute?
- Can I ask you something?
- Quick question.
Show the answer (Question 5)
Answer: Do you have a minute? This line asks about the other person's time before you start.
Questions learners ask
Is it rude to say "I have a question"?
No, "I have a question" is correct and polite enough in a class or meeting. It just sounds a little flat in conversation. Lines like "Can I ask you something?" or "Do you have a minute?" sound warmer because they check that the listener is ready.
What is the most polite way to ask for help in English?
"I was wondering if you could..." is one of the most polite patterns. Finish it with the help you need, as in "I was wondering if you could explain this part." You can add "Sorry to bother you" first if the person is busy.
What's the difference between "Can I ask you something?" and "Can I get your opinion?"
"Can I ask you something?" prepares the listener for any question, often a personal one. "Can I get your opinion?" asks what the person thinks about a choice or idea. Use the second when you want advice.
Should I use "can" or "could" in polite questions?
Both are correct. "Could" usually sounds a little softer and more polite, so it works well with strangers, teachers, and managers. "Can" is fine with friends and coworkers you know well.
Film lines are short quotes used for language teaching. The dialogue belongs to its rightsholders. Marco and Hana are animated characters made with Google Flow.
