We often say “I was wondering”, when we are politely beginning a request to someone for assistance, asking their opinion or for information. Although there is nothing wrong with saying this, there are always alternative phrases that one can use. This article will explore and describe some better-suited choices.
What Can I Say Instead Of “I Was Wondering”?
Like any other commonly used phrase, there are different options we can work into conversation. This article will take an in-depth look at the following:
- I’m intrigued to know.
- Out of curiosity.
- I’d like to know.
- I’d appreciate knowing.
- Would you please?
- Would you mind?
- Would it be possible?
- Do you think?
- I’d like to ask you
- Can I get your opinion.
The preferred version is “I’m intrigued to know”. This is considered a formal and courtesy way to phrase a question or request to someone. We are describing that something has piqued our interest, and we would perhaps like to further discuss or ask questions about it.
I’m Intrigued To Know
We can say “I’m intrigued to know” when we wish to convey our curiosity or interest in someone’s opinion or insight on a given subject. To be “intrigued” means to be strongly appealed to or fascinated by something that we do not have an abundance of prior knowledge on.
We can use “I’m intrigued” when we want to show our interest in a compelling topic that someone is knowledgeable on or has spoken about. To say this means that the receiver has grasped our full attention or has an opinion that we highly value.
Because of this, this is considered a very polite way of requesting something, like further explanations on a topic of interest.
Here are a few ways we can use this phrase properly:
- I’m intrigued to know more about your new position at work.
- I’m intrigued to know all about your trip to New Zealand. Was the country as amazing as it seems?
- I’m happy you’re home and I’m intrigued to know how your day went. What happened?
Out Of Curiosity
When we say “out of curiosity” we are emphasizing our inquisitive nature. This is still considered to be a courteous way of speaking to someone, as we are both engaged in conversation and genuinely interested in hearing what they have to say – making us an attentive listener.
We often say “out of curiosity” when we are interested in knowing something for no other reason, except we genuinely wish to know it. While this may seem nonsensical, it merely means we can use this phrase for non-serious conversations.
At the same time, we can use the phrase this to imply our need to be in the know about an ongoing situation. Essentially, it’s appropriately used whenever we are “curious” about something.
For clarification purposes, here are some examples:
- Out of curiosity, where were you on Friday night?
- Out of curiosity, would you mind filling me in on the incident that occurred last week?
- Out of curiosity, how many eggs can a chicken lay in 24 hours?
I’d Like To Know
“I’d like to know” is a very direct statement we can use when we wish to be informed about something. We often use this statement when we wish to receive knowledge on an incident that has occurred, information on a given topic, someone’s opinion on a matter, etc.
While this statement is considerably direct, it shouldn’t be deemed impolite or inappropriate – even in a formal or professional setting. We are merely clearly conveying our message, as to leave no confusion.
As always, it’s important to note that being direct, does not equate to being rude. It’s just the best way to present a statement or question, without requiring further explanation. This saves time and leaves room for more discussions.
Here are a few examples of how to use this statement:
- I’d like to know why you were sneaking in last night at 3 am?
- I could use some assistance and I’d like to know if you’d be willing to help. What do you think?
- I’d like to know why he thinks it’s okay to speak to people like that!
I’d Appreciate Knowing
“I’d appreciate knowing” is a kind and mild-mannered approach to requesting information from someone. We can use this statement when we need specific information, we’d be grateful to hear someone’s opinion, etc. To say we’d “appreciate” something is to showcase a level of gratitude.
When we use the word “appreciate”, people feel more inclined to help us because it implies our thankfulness.
Generally, we will use this statement when we require information. Whether this pertains to information about a workplace dispute or a family matter, this is an appropriate way to phrase ourselves.
For further use, here are a few examples:
- I’d appreciate knowing the details of the case. Do you have time to go over them?
- I’d appreciate knowing more about you, especially considering we’ll soon be family!
- I’d appreciate knowing the particulars of the incident that occurred over the weekend.
Would You Please
We can use “would you please” as a courteous beginning to a sentence or conversation involving a request. We are being considerate by phasing the question as “would you”, as this does give the other person the opportunity to politely negate our request.
“Would you”, is considered to be a supplement verb, having a multitude of uses. Similarly, “would you” applies to both past and present tense – making it appropriate to be used for a current request.
“Would you” is commonly used when we wish to request a favour from someone, as opposed to “could you” when you’re assigning a task or work.
To further clarify, here are a few examples:
- Would you please turn the lights off? The electricity doesn’t pay for itself!
- Would you please pick up Phil from work tonight?
- Would you please throw this in the trash for me? Thank you!
Would You Mind
Another option we can utilize if we so choose is “would you mind”. We often use this statement when we are either requesting a favour from someone or when we are asking for permission to do something we’d appreciate to do.
This is another statement that is considered both polite and appropriately formal. This makes it a fitting statement to use in the workplace, perhaps if you require the assistance of a coworker.
Similarly, this is a well-mannered way to approach a request for permission. Often, folks are more inclined to permit us if we are both considerate and polite with our requests.
Here are a few examples of how we can use this phrase in a sentence:
- Would you mind picking me up from volleyball practice today, mom?
- Would you mind if I spent the night at Anthony’s?
- Would you mind signing this permission form, so I can attend the festival?
Would It Be Possible
We can choose to use “would it be possible” similarly to the other examples that we have recently gone over. This is considered another formal way to ask someone for something, to accomplish something, or for permission to do something.
Due to the polite nature of this statement, it’s more often than not those folks we ask, feel a willingness to assist us. This is why it’s always important to remember the tone and manner in which we address others.
When we phrase a statement or question with “would it be possible”, we are leaving allowance for the receiving person to negate our request. However, this generally only occurs when someone is incredibly busy themselves.
Additionally, here are a few examples to go over:
- Would it be possible for you to move over an extra seat?
- Would it be possible for you to submit that report by noon tomorrow?
- Would it be possible for you to watch the kids on Saturday night?
Do You Think
We can use “do you think” as another alternative to or original statement. When we preface a statement or question with “do you think”, we are often asking our audience’s opinion or input on the given topic. This is considered a polite manner to speak to someone in.
When we say “do you think” we are openly asking for the view of another individual. This is considered kind, as we’re intently listening to someone and valuing their opinion enough to ask about it.
We can also use “do you think” as the beginning of a request for a favour. This would not be deemed an impolite thing to do.
We’ll now take a look at the following examples, for clarity:
- Do you think you could reserve us a table for tonight? Thank you!
- Do you think she likes me? Or is it just a game to her?
- Do you think I should cut my hair or let it grow out?
I’d Like To Ask You
We can use “I’d like to ask you” to preface a question or concern that we’d like to present to someone. This is another very direct way of speaking, but certainly not impolite. We are merely getting our statement across in a straightforward manner – leaving no room for miscommunication.
When we say we’d “like” to do something, we are conveying a level of importance of interest in the matter. The receiving person will be aware of this because of how we have worked on our statement or request.
When we phrase a statement like this, people are more inclined to answer because of the subtle approach.
Here are a few examples to showcase how we use this statement:
- I’d like to ask you something, do you have a moment?
- I’d like to ask him about his outburst yesterday. I feel it was inconsiderate.
- I’d like to ask the owner how he’d like the front sign to look.
Can I Get Your Opinion
Our last alternative phrase that we will look at is “can I get your opinion”. This is considered a highly polite question to ask someone. This is because we have asked and therefore, believe their opinion holds value or relevancy to the given situation.
When we ask someone their opinion on something, we’ve already made the conversation personalized. This is not a bad thing, as personalization and valuing someone’s opinions are both considered important qualities.
When we phrase a question or statement with “can I”, we are asking for a form of permission. In this case, we are asking for permission to hear someone’s opinion. This does allow them to turn down our request, although this happens seldomly.
Finally, here are our last few examples for this article:
- Can I get your opinion on something? Thank you!
- Can I get your opinion on my outfit? I’m just not sure it works on me.
- If you have a moment, can I get your opinion on an important matter?
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