Direct and indirect

questions
 Direct questions
*Word order is for most questions is:*
(question word) + Auxiliary Verb + Subject +
Main Verb
What does “strategy” mean?
Have you finished yet?
Subject questions:
*When the question word is the subject of
the sentence, use the affirmative form of
the verb.*
What happened then?
NOT What did happen then?
Prepositions in questions:
*Usually come at the end.*
What did you go with?
*In very formal English, prepositions can
come at the beginning.*
With whom did you correspond?
*use Wh- + be + subject + like to ask for a
description of a thing or person.*
What's your name boss like?
Indirect questions

*Use Indirect questions to ask for information in a more polite

way or to ask personal questions.
After the introductory phrase, use the affirmative form, not
the question form.*
Do you know what time the class starts?
In yes/no questions use if or Whether + the affirmative form.
I’d be interested to know whether Mike's married.
Phrases to introduce indirect questions

The following phrases are often used to introduce indirect

questions:
- Do you know
- Can Task (you) ..?
- Could you tell me
- I was wondering ...?
- I wonder …?
- I’d be interested to know …
- Do you mind me asking …?
- Have you any idea …?
- I’d like to know …
- Would you mind telling me …?
- What/why etc. + do you think …?
 Spoken Grammar
*Two of three word questions are common in conversation:
A: I'm going out tonight.
B: where to? / Who with?

A:I hate spicy food.
B: Why's that?
A: didn’t go to the party.
B: How come? / Why not?
*In conversation we sometimes use the affirmative form with
a rising intonation.
You're living in Save! Arabia тow?
*In formal conversation we sometimes leave out the
auxiliary.
You been here long?
Anyone seen my bag?