Indirect Questions
Learn how to ask questions in a more polite, formal, and gentle way by embedding them inside a statement or another question.
What Are Indirect Questions?
Indirect questions are a more polite way to ask for information. They are often used when speaking to strangers, in professional settings, or when you don't want to sound too direct.
Direct Question
Indirect Question
Common Introductory Phrases
Indirect questions often begin with one of these phrases.
- Can you tell me...
- Could you tell me...
- Do you know...
- I wonder...
- Would you mind telling me...
- I’d like to know...
Key Grammar Rules
The word order and structure change from direct questions.
Word Order in WH- Questions
In indirect questions, the word order is like a statement (Subject + Verb), not a direct question. Do not use auxiliaries like do/does/did.
Direct: "Where does she work?"
Indirect: "Could you tell me where she works?"
Using "if" or "whether" for Yes/No Questions
When the direct question is a Yes/No question, the indirect version must start with "if" or "whether".
Direct: "Is he ready?"
Indirect: "Do you know if he is ready?"
Quick Comparison: Direct vs. Indirect
| Direct Question | Indirect Question |
|---|---|
| What time is it? | Could you tell me what time it is? |
| Did she pass the test? | I wonder if she passed the test. |
| Why was he late? | I’d like to know why he was late. |
Key Takeaways
- Indirect questions are a more polite and formal way to ask for information.
- They are embedded within a statement or another question, using an introductory phrase.
- The word order changes to Subject + Verb, just like a regular statement.
- Use "if" or "whether" to introduce indirect Yes/No questions.
- Be careful with end punctuation: only use a question mark if the introductory phrase itself forms a question.