How To Handle Asking Questions In English

There are many ways to inquire in English, but still, with all that variety, there is still a right way for asking questions, and a wrong one. You first need to master all the types of questions in English, then learn how to use prepositions in affirmative sentences, and, finally, see what happens to prepositions in questions. Sounds difficult, but gets a lot easier with some help from us and the best among English language schools in San Diego.

‍How do you ask questions?

According to the California Department of Education, you first choose which type of questions you would like to ask, and then, depending on the type you’ve chosen, you begin the sentence either with an auxiliary verb, a “Wh-” word, or a modal verb, and you ask away.

But, let’s presume that you already know all the grammar aspects of asking questions in English well, and that you need that extra touch, that pinch of spice to sound a bit more like a native.

Sure, you know all about inversion and question tags, but your questions still sound a bit underwhelming when compared to an English language speaker. If you’d like to take it to the next level, we’re going to help you by pointing out the three often forgotten aspects of asking questions - politeness, intonation, and body language.

Politeness

If you’ve learned how to form indirect questions, then you already know that politeness should be a top priority when asking questions in English. It is all too easy for a non-native to for a grammatically correct question, but still fall short of actually asking the questions according to the situation at hand.

It’s irritating, we know, and it’s easy to lose faith. However, it is also easy to become a polite language speaker. Easier than you might think. All you need to do is throw in some modal verbs, some “pleases” and “excuse me”, and you’ll be quick on your way to sounding polite alongside being correct.

So, instead of asking “Where’s the supermarket?” which, you’ll agree, sounds bluntish, you can modify that question by adding some words to make it sound softer, and to make you come across as polite.

You can, for example, use any of the alternatives - “Excuse me, where is the supermarket?”; “Sorry for interrupting you, but where is the supermarket?”; “Could you tell me where the supermarket is?”; “Could you please tell me where the supermarket is?”; and, the overkill - “Excuse me, could you please tell me where I can find the supermarket?”.

You can use all and any of the abovementioned polite methods for asking questions, or you can come up with your own. The important thing is for you to know how to polish your question-asking skills in order to sound as affable as possible.

Intonation

Did you know that you can ask a question by not forming a question at all, but rather using an affirmative sentence and changing the manner of intonation? Did you know that “You’re going out” can become “You’re going out?” rather easily?

It’s OK if you didn’t, as this really is an advanced level of English, one often used by native speakers, but rarely by those using English as their second language. Intonation is a difficult aspect of the language, and one that most learners experience difficulties with.

However, intonation is important when it comes to questions, and not only if you want to take an affirmative sentence and change it into an interrogative one without any alterations to its structure.

Intonation is important even when asking standard questions, especially if you want your English to sound as good as it can. The rule of thumb is to slightly raise the pitch of your voice toward the end of the question, as if to announce that you’re ending the question soon.

This doesn’t sound so clear, does it? Well, it is difficult to explain intonation with words, and we understand if you’re even more perplexed by the matter after our “explanation”. The best way to practice intonation is to listen to one of the many YouTube videos explaining it, and to try and use as much of it you can in speech.

Body language

We’re going to be brief with this one. Body language is also important when asking questions, especially your body positioning. Depending on the culture, it is considered obtuse to stand too close to the person you’re asking, because it comes across as pushy and blunt.

It is good to keep hand gesturing at an optimal level as well, so as not to seem too nervous or insecure. Body language is an overall important aspect of communication, one you should definitely look into.

‍What is the right way to ask a question?

The right way, the totally perfect way to ask a question in English is to make it completely grammatically correct. When you do that, then you try to incorporate as much politeness as you can, and combine it with changes in intonation as your question progresses.

Finally, you should look into body language and body positioning, because even if everything you say is grammatically sound, utterly polite and well-accentuated, you can still end up seeming brusque without meaning to. OK, most natives won’t hold it against you, but some might, and you need to be prepared for every eventuality.

‍“Is there a language school in San Diego that can help me master all these tricks?”

Yes, there absolutely is. Most of San Diego’s English language schools focus too much on grammar, and pay little attention to other aspects of speaking a language. We at College of English Language don’t do that, as we know just how important even the tiniest of cogs is for the adequate use of language.

That is the reason we hand pick our staff, why we only employ teachers who can see the bigger picture and who know how to pay attention to details. You will hardly find a better language learning spot, so if sightseeing is what you do, stop by our school after a walk through Spreckels Park. We won’t disappoint.