Indirect Questions
Learn how to make indirect questions in English.
Can you answer these grammar questions correctly?
Indirect Questions
Point 1: Indirect questions are questions that are reported or expressed indirectly instead of using a direct question form.
Indirect questions are often used in more formal or polite situations.
Indirect questions are often used in more formal or polite situations.
- Could you tell me where the library is?
- Where is the library?
- Do you know who wrote this article?
- Who wrote this article?
- I don't get what you are saying.
- What are you saying?
- I wonder why he is so upset.
- Why is he so upset?
Point 2: Indirect questions usually begin with introductory phrases like the following:
- Could you tell me...?
- Do you know...?
- I wonder...
- I don't get...
- Could you tell me how I can get to the library?
- How can I get to the library?
- Do you know when the next train leaves for London?
- When does the next train leave for London?
- I wonder what time the movie starts.
- What time does the movie start?
- I don't know what I am supposed to do.
- What am I supposed to do?
Point 3: Indirect questions often use question words (who, what, when, where, why, how).
In indirect questions, the subject comes before the verb like a regular sentence.
In indirect questions, the subject comes before the verb like a regular sentence.
- Could you tell me how much it costs?
- How much does it cost?
- Do you know what we are doing?
- What are we doing?
- Can you tell me where I can use the restroom?
- Where can I use the restroom?
- Do you know who Bob was talking to?
- Who was Bob talking to?
Point 4: In indirect Yes/No questions, we use the word "if" to connect the question.
The subject comes before the verb like a normal sentence.
The subject comes before the verb like a normal sentence.
- Do you know if you are coming to the party?
- Are you coming to the party?
- I wonder if you can do this.
- Can you do this?
- Can you tell me if this is correct?
- Is this correct?
- I wonder if they are coming to the party.
- Are they coming to the party?
Point 5: Indirect questions are often used to politely ask for something.
The phrase "I was wondering" is a polite way to make a request.
The phrase "I was wondering" is a polite way to make a request.
- Can you lend me some money? (direct)
- I was wondering if you could lend me some money. (polite)
- Can I use your car? (direct)
- I was wondering if I could use your car. (polite)
- Can I stay at your place for a few days? (direct)
- I was wondering if I could stay at your place for a few days. (polite)
- Can you work for me on Saturday? (direct)
- I was wondering if you could work for me on Saturday. (polite)
By understanding how to use indirect questions, you can communicate politely and indirectly, ask for information in a softer way, and express curiosity or uncertainty.
