Are you trying to figure out the best ways to ask a question in a formal email?
Maybe you’re worried that “I would like to ask” doesn’t match the professionality you’re looking for.
Well, it’s a good thing you came across this article!
We will show you how to say “I would like to ask” formally.
You can review these synonyms to learn what works best:
- I wish to inquire
- I would appreciate information
- May I ask
- Could you please tell me
- I am interested in learning
- I’m seeking information
- I would be grateful if you could tell me
- I am writing to seek your guidance
- Could you shed light
- I’m reaching out to ask
Keep reading to find out how to say “I would like to ask” in an email. We’ve explained more about the synonyms from the list above to show you how they can work.
1. I Wish to Inquire
Let’s start by using “I wish to inquire” instead of “I would like to ask.”
This is a great way to ask if it is possible to do something. You can include it in a formal email to your boss if you have something you need to ask.
For the most part, it’s a great way to find out whether something is feasible.
We highly recommend it because it’s direct and straightforward.
There’s no beating around the bush with this phrase. It simply shows that you’d like to ask a question and expect an answer.
Also, you can check out this email sample to learn more about it:
Dear Ms. Drawbridge,
I wish to inquire about whether it will be possible for me to have a raise.
I’ve worked here for a while now, and I’m curious to see if that’s on the cards.
Best wishes,
Dan Shaw
2. I Would Appreciate Information
Next, we recommend “I would appreciate information” as a formal way to say “I would like to ask.”
This works really well when you’re looking for specific information from someone.
So, you can use it when contacting a company to see if they’re able to give you the answers you require.
For the most part, it’s a great way to sound professional and direct. You’ll also be more likely to receive a response when starting an email like this.
Feel free to review this sample email if you still need help with it:
To Whom It May Concern,
I would appreciate information regarding this product at your earliest convenience.
I have a few things that I’d like to talk about regarding it.
All the best,
Michael Flats
3. May I Ask
We also think it’s smart to write “may I ask” in some cases. You may want to use this when writing to a teacher to ask them for permission to do something in an assignment.
Technically, this is a good way to ask for help in many ways. However, we recommend using it in this context to seek permission.
For the most part, it keeps things formal and sincere.
So, you can review this example to learn a bit more:
Dear Mr. Kirkland,
May I ask for your permission to change a few parts of this assignment?
I’m positive it will help me to develop a better result.
Yours,
Harry Baxter
4. Could You Please Tell Me
You can write “could you please tell me” as a professional way to say “I would like to ask.”
For the most part, this works well when asking whether something is possible. You can use it when writing to your boss to see if they can clarify whether you’re able to do something.
This shows initiative on your part. It lets your boss know that you’re trying something new, but you’d like them to indicate whether its worth you investing your time.
You may want to review this email sample if you still don’t know how it works:
Dear Ms. Barry,
Could you please tell me if this is possible?
I’ve never seen anyone do this before, so I’d like to check if it’s doable.
Thank you so much,
Ben Mortimer
5. I Am Interested in Learning
If you’re still confused about how to say “I would like to ask” in an email, try “I am interested in learning.”
It’s an excellent way to ask someone whether something is possible when you know the recipient will be able to assist you.
You may want to use it when writing to a professor.
It’s formal and direct. So, your professor will often be open to helping you and explaining whether you can do something if you come up with a unique idea.
You may also check out this example if you want more help with it:
Dear Ms. Krissy,
I am interested in learning whether it’s possible to change the assignment slightly.
Please review my attachment and let me know what you think about it.
Best wishes,
Kaitlin Murphy
6. I’m Seeking Information
Try saying “I’m seeking information” as a straightforward way to ask something.
For the most part, this is a formal and sincere way to ask for something.
Therefore, it can replace “I would like to ask” in most professional outlets.
You may want to use this when writing to a client.
It shows that you have a gap in your knowledge about them. So, the best way to get more information is to ask them directly and see what you can learn.
You may also check out this example to learn some more about it:
Dear Miss Glock,
I’m seeking information about your accounts.
Do you have anything to share that will help me update our records?
Thank you so much,
Shaun Woodland
7. I Would Be Grateful if You Could Tell Me
Another way to say “I would like to ask” is “I would be grateful if you could tell me.”
This is generally a great way to be formal and questioning. It shows you’re happy to ask for something and you’d appreciate cooperation from the recipient.
So, you may want to use it when asking an employee for details about their absence.
If they’ve been off work for a while, you might need more clarification about why.
Here’s a helpful sample email to show you more about it:
Dear Jacob,
I would be grateful if you could tell me about your time off.
Please let me know how much longer you plan on being away as well.
All the best,
Joan Arkland
8. I Am Writing to Seek Your Guidance
When you respect someone’s knowledge enough, you can use “I am writing to seek your guidance.”
So, this might work well when asking your boss for help.
Let’s say you get stuck with a project. You don’t know who to turn to, but you know your boss is smart enough to figure it out.
Well, you can use this phrase to be formal and genuine. It shows you need them, and you hope they’ll be happy to give you a hand.
Check out this email sample for more information if you still need help:
Dear Miss Proctor,
I am writing to seek your guidance in completing this project.
I’m a bit stuck, and I’d like to see if you can offer any advice.
Best regards,
Damian Grover
9. Could You Shed Light
You can also simplify things by saying “could you shed light.” This is a great way to start an email if you want to be friendly and sincere.
It’s good to use something like this when you don’t want to put pressure on the recipient.
You can use it when contacting an employee. It shows that you’d like information regarding a project they might be working on, but you’re unsure whether they’re the appropriate person to ask.
This phrase will allow you to reach out and be more approachable. Employees will often be more likely to respond to this tone.
So, you can review this example if you want more information:
Dear Martin,
Could you shed light on the choices your team made with this project?
I’m interested in learning what you decided to do.
All the best,
Rosie Anderson
10. I’m Reaching Out to Ask
Finally, we recommend using “I’m reaching out to ask.”
This is a fantastic way to be more friendly when asking for permission.
You can use it when speaking with your employer.
Generally, you can use something like this as a formal and respectful way to ask someone what they think about your request.
It shows you’re going to your employer first to find out whether they’re willing to grant you permission before you continue with something.
You may also check out this email sample to find out how it works:
Dear Ms. Storm,
I’m reaching out to ask for your permission to complete this project solo.
I’m certain I’ll get much more out of it if I’m given the chance to work alone.
Yours,
Tony Tanker