The document discusses how to ask questions more politely and formally in English. It provides examples of embedding questions using introductory phrases like "Could you tell me" and changing the word order. Additional introductory phrases are suggested for asking questions politely, such as "Do you know", "Can you tell me", and "Do you have any idea".

2.  more polite
 more formal
 Direct question:
What time does the train leave?
 Embedded question:
Could you tell me what time the train leaves?

3. Introduction + question
 use an introductory phrase
 use a question word
(what/where/who/why/which/when)
 change the word order in the question
Could you tell me what time the train leaves?

4. Introduction + question
Do you have any idea if the bus is on time?
 use an introductory phrase
 use if/whether
 change the word order in the question

5.  Do you know … ?
 Can/could you tell me … ?
 Could you let me know … ?
 Do you have any idea … ?
 I would be (most) grateful …
 Please let me know …
 Do you happen to know … ?
 I wonder / was wondering …
 Would you mind telling me … ?
 Can / May I ask … ?
 I’d like to know …