INDIRECT QUESTIONS

Indirect questions are a little more formal and polite. We use them when talking to a
person we don’t know very well, or in professional situations,

Ex. Direct question: “Where is the bathroom?”

Indirect question: “Could you tell me where the bathroom is?”

Some phrases we use to make a question more polite:

 Can/Could you tell me…

 Do you know…
 I wonder… / I was wondering…
 Do you have any idea…
 I’d like to know…
 Would it be possible…
 Is there any chance…
 I’d be interested to hear…
 Would you mind telling me…
 Do you happen to know…

When we create indirect questions, the original question becomes part of a longer sentence or question and the
word order changes.

Direct: What time is it?

Indirect:  Do you know what time it is?

Direct:  When does the lesson end?

Indirect:  Could you tell me when the lesson ends?

Direct:  How did  you make that cake?

Indirect:  Would you mind telling me how you made that cake?

When there is no question word (who, what, when, why, how) in a direct question, we need to
use if or whether in the indirect question.

Direct:  Did she make it on time? 

Indirect:  Can you tell me  if she made it on time? 
Can you tell me whether she made it on time?

Direct:  Is this the right bus for Oxford Street?

Indirect: Do you have any idea if this is the right bus for Oxford Street?

Exercise: make these questions indirect. Use different phrases.

1. Where does she live?

2. Who won the match?
3. Did they show you the way?
4. Have you ever been to Paris?
5. How often do they go abroad?

6. When was the company founded?

7. Is the president going to resign?
8. Are you waiting for the bus?
9. Which platform does the train leave from?
10. Does your manager often go on business trips?
11. What were you looking for?
12. How many books has she read this month?
13. Where does the meeting take place?
14. Who will become the next Prime Minister?
15. Do the British speak many foreign languages?

16. What's the time?

17. Why did they arrest Paul Benson?
18. Are they going to close down the factory?
19. Did they sell their old car?
20. Were you tired last night?

21. How much does this coat cost?

22. Can you play the guitar?
23. Why did the police shoot at him?
24. Where's the station?
25. Are you coming to the party?

26. How does it work?

27. What's the matter?
28. Where are you from?
29. How long does it take to get there?
30. Has she reached a decision yet?

31. What time are you leaving?"

32. Does Annie know about computers?
33. Excuse me. How do you get to the post office from here?
34. What are you doing?!
35. Could you lend me 50 pesos?