Asking for information, Indirect questions, Connectors of addition

V této kapitole se dozvíte jak se správně anglicky ptát na informace a to nejen o produktech a službách. Ukážeme si zde i nepřímé otázky v angličtině, nebo použití spojovacích výrazů pro doplňující informace.

Asking for information

We write an inquiry when we want to ask for more information concerning a product, service or other information about a product or service that interests us. These letters or emails can be written in response to an advertisement that we have seen in the paper, a magazine, a commercial on television when we are interested in purchasing a product, but would like more information before making a decision.

Here are some tips to help you write a letter asking for information:

  • Get to the point. Tell the reader exactly what type of information you need and politely ask him/her to send it to you. Assure the reader you will pay any customary fees that are involved.
  • Provide a brief explanation as to why you need this information. 
  • Thank the reader. Be sure to provide your contact information 

Important language to remember:

  • The start: Dear Sir or Madam, To Whom It May Concern, etc.
  • Giving reference: With reference to your advertisement in..., Regarding your advertisement in ...
  • Requesting a catalogue, brochure, etc.:... , would (could) you please send me ... 
  • Requesting further information: I would also like to know ..., Could you tell me whether ... , I am looking for…, I am also interested in…, Could you also give me some information about…
  • Conclusion: I am looking forward to hearing from you soon
  • Close: Yours faithfully, Sincerely

An Example Letter (US English)

Jannett Benson
2520 Alley Ave.
Idaho Falls, ID 78501

Jackson Inc.
3287 21st St.
New York, NY 12001

September 11, 2001

To Whom It May Concern:
With reference to your advertisement in yesterday's New York Times, could you please send me a copy of your latest catalogue? I am interested in buying some ESL books for our Language Department. We will, of course, pay the fees involved. I would also like to know if it is possible to make purchases online.

Thank you very much. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

J. Benson

Jannett Benson
Administrative Director
Idaho Falls Community College

Indirect questions

Direct questions are often considered impolite when speaking to strangers. To be more polite we often use indirect question forms. Indirect questions serve the same purpose as direct questions, but are considered more formal. When using an indirect question, use an introductory phrase followed by the question itself in positive sentence structure. Connect the two phrases with the question word or "if" in the case the question is a "yes", "no" question.

Introductory phrase + question word (or if) + positive sentence

Where is the conference? > I was wondering if you know where the conference is?
When does the PA usually arrive? > Do you know when the PA usually arrives?
What time is she going to come? > Could you find out what time she is going to come?

Connectors of addition

We use these connectors to give additional information:
too, as well, also, in addition

Here are some examples to see how they are used. Notice the position of the connectors.
too /as well are use at the end of the sentence:

Labour costs are high. Inflation is high too / as well.

also usually comes before the second verb (when the second verb is "to be" we put also after the verb):

The country has high inflation and it also suffers from high unemployment. (MLC is a successful company. It is also a very large company.)

In addition is usually used at the start of the second sentence:

High corporate taxes reduce companies' profits and in addition they do not encourage foreign investment. 

High corporate taxes reduce companies' profits. In addition they do not encourage foreign investment. 

 

 


kontrolní otázky

Kontrolní otázky...

  • Which sentence is correct?
    • Yes, correct.
    • Incorrect.
  • Which sentence is correct?
    • Yes, correct.
    • Incorrect.

slovicka

Seznam slovíček k lekci

inquiry - dotaz  přehrát 
inquiry - poptávka  přehrát 
concerning - týkající se  přehrát 
in response to - jako odpověď na   
purchase - zakoupit  přehrát 
make a decision - učinit rozhodnutí   
get to the point - jít k věci  přehrát 
exactly - přesně  přehrát 
politely - zdvořile  přehrát 
assure - ujistit  přehrát 
customary - obvyklý  přehrát 
fee - poplatek  přehrát 
involved - zapojený  přehrát 
involved - zahrnutý  přehrát 
provide - poskytnout  přehrát 
brief - stručný   
request - žádat  přehrát 
conclusion - závěr  přehrát 
indirect - nepřímý  přehrát 
consider - považovat  přehrát 
impolite - nezdvořilý  přehrát 
stranger - cizí člověk  přehrát 
purpose - účel  přehrát 
purpose - záměr  přehrát 
connector - konektor  přehrát 
labour - práce  přehrát 
costs - náklady  přehrát 
verb - sloveso   
suffer from - trpět (něčím)   
tax - daň  přehrát 
encourage - povzbudit  přehrát 
inquiry - otázka   
advertisement - reklama (tištěná)   
commercial - reklama v televizi nebo rádiu   
involved - příslušný   
request - vyžadovat   
addition - přidání  přehrát 
additon - dodatek   
encourage - podporovat   

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