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How smart people say "I have a question" | English from movies
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Select a line to hear it again. Tap any word to see what it means. Underlined words are the key words of this video.
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Marco I a . , I .
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Hana I'll , Marco.
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Tutor and .
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Blue Jay Can I ask you ?
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Tutor , for .
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Kinky Boots: The Musical , can I get ?
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Tutor .
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Nothing But the Truth I was if you
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Marco Can I get ? one .
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Hana , Marco. But was one .
Choose an answer for each question, then check it.
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Question 1
You want a friend's advice about which apartment to rent. Which line fits best?
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Question 2
You need your manager to sign a form. Which line is the most polite?
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Question 3
You ask, "Would you mind if I asked you something?" The answer is "Not at all." What does that mean?
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Question 4
Which line is best before a short, simple question to a coworker?
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Question 5
Which line checks if someone has time before a longer conversation?
Quick answer
How smart people say "I have a question"
Saying "I have a question" is correct, but it can sound flat. Use "Can I ask you something?" to start a personal question, "Can I get your opinion here?" when you want advice, and "I was wondering if you could..." for a very polite request for help. For a small question, "Quick question" works well. When you need someone's time, start with "Do you have a minute?"
Key words in this video
Tap any word to see what it means. Underlined words are the key words of this video.
Each line explained
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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?”
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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?”
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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”
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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.
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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.
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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.
Common mistakes
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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.
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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.
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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.
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